The Externship Program
Career Development for Operating Engineers
Spring 2025 Enrollment is Open!
AS FEW AS 6 MONTHS
2-HOUR CLASSES EACH WEEK COMBINED WITH HANDS-ON TRAINING AND LAB SESSIONS. NEXT PROGRAM BEGINS IN MARCH 2025!
$4,500
$750 DEPOSIT WITH BALANCE DUE IN 5 SEPARATE PAYMENTS. INCLUDES MATERIALS, BOOKS, AND 24/7 LMS ACCESS. 12:1 STUDENT-INSTRUCTOR RATIO.
OUR LOCATION
HQ - WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ
WITH TRAINING LOCATIONS ACROSS THE STATE of NEW JERSEY.
Get Directions
Click below to watch a recent Orientation and Information Session about The Externship Program, then sign-up below!
Regardless of your experience level, we help people learn the trade of an operating engineer by learning both theory ( online or in-person classes) and professional practice (hands-on at one of our facilities). Students obtain real-world experience as a Boiler Operator at a self-scheduled pace, graduate with a New Jersey High Pressure Black Seal license, and have our full support in helping with job placement and career growth.
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Understand How it Works
The purpose of the program demo is to discuss the pros and cons of working in this industry and break down exactly how the program works. The goal is to help individuals determine if this program is the right fit before joining. By attending an orientation, there is no obligation to register or join.
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Learn to Be a Great Operator
The program is setup for students to not only learn the industry best practices, but also the professional fundamentals needed to further grow and succeed in the modern workplace without dedicating a full-time student schedule. We review soft skills before learning hard skills.
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All 16 Classes Are Available Online
Though we want to see students in-person, using Zoom, students can attend and interact with their classes in the comfort of their own homes. Everything needed to review and study is available on-demand in our new study portal. There are required in-person parts of this class for hands-on training and workshops.
If you are sure you want to sign up for the program, click the link below.
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Fall 2024 Semester Class Dates
B101: Career Orientation - September 4, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B102: Professional Fundamentals September 11, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B103: Intro to Boilers - September 18, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B104: Feedwater and Chemistry - September 25, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B105: Steam and Hot Water Systems - October 2, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B106: Fuel and Combustion - October 9, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Water Chemistry Workshop (In-Person Only) - Multiple sessions available through the week allowing students to repeat the class to improve competency.
(Mon 10/14 6PM, Wed 10/16 10AM or 6PM, Fri 10/18 1PM, Mon 10/21 6PM)B107: Draft and Control Systems - October 23, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Simulator Troubleshooting Workshop (In-Person Only) - Multiple sessions available through the week allowing students to repeat the class to improve competency.
(Mon 10/28 6PM, Wed 10/30 10AM or 6PM, Fri 11/1 1PM, Mon 11/4 6PM)B108: Refrigeration Basics - November 6, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Refrigeration Workshop/Troubleshooting (In-Person Only) - Multiple sessions available through the week allowing students to repeat the class to improve competency.
(Mon 11/11 6PM, Wed 11/13 10AM or 6PM, Fri 11/15 1PM, Mon 11/18 6PM)** Thanksgiving Break - No Classes (2 Weeks) - 11/20/24 to 11/27/24 **
B109: Power Generation Basics - December 4, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B110: Power Generation Advanced - December 11, 2024 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
** Christmas/New Year Break - No Classes (3 Weeks) 12/18/24 to 1/1/25 **
B111: Problem Solving and Avoiding Accidents - January 8, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B112: Operational and Maintenance Program Training - January 15, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B113: NJ Black Seal High Pressure Exam Prep - January 22, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B114: Rules and Regulations Compliance - January 29, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B115: Accessory System Training - February 5, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B116: Final Program Review - February 12, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
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Spring 2025 Semester Class Dates
B101: Career Orientation - March 5, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B102: Professional Fundamentals March 12, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B103: Intro to Boilers - March 19, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B104: Feedwater and Chemistry - March 26, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B105: Steam and Hot Water Systems - April 2, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B106: Fuel and Combustion - April 9, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Water Chemistry Workshop (In-Person Only) - Multiple sessions available through the week allowing students to repeat the class to improve competency.
(Mon 4/14 6PM, Wed 4/16 10AM or 6PM, Fri 4/18 1PM, Mon 4/21 6PM)B107: Draft and Control Systems - April 23, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Simulator Troubleshooting Workshop (In-Person Only) - Multiple sessions available through the week allowing students to repeat the class to improve competency.
(Mon 4/28 6PM, Wed 4/30 10AM or 6PM, Fri 5/2 1PM, Mon 5/5 6PM)B108: Refrigeration Basics - May 7, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Refrigeration Workshop/Troubleshooting (In-Person Only) - Multiple sessions available through the week allowing students to repeat the class to improve competency.
(Mon 5/12 6PM, Wed 5/14 10AM or 6PM, Fri 5/16 1PM, Mon 5/19 6PM)B109: Power Generation Basics - May 21, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
** Memorial Day Break - No Classes (2 Weeks) 5/28/25-6/4/25 **
B110: Power Generation Advanced - June 11, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B111: Problem Solving and Avoiding Accidents - June 18, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B112: Operational and Maintenance Program Training - June 25, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
** Independence Day Break - No Classes (2 Weeks) 7/2/25-7/9/24 **
B113: NJ Black Seal High Pressure Exam Prep - July 16, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B114: Rules and Regulations Compliance - July 23, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B115: Accessory System Training - July 30, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
B116: Final Program Review - August 6, 2025 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and/or 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
The Externship Program Overview
The flagship program of our school, and with big improvements for 2024, The Externship Program provides the ultimate starting point for those looking to start a career in the plant operations industry. This unique course provides the combination of advanced classroom training with actual real-world working experience at the same time. The program is designed to establish professional fundamentals using habit-forming on-the-job training. We cover all the best practices for a successful plant professional, including a New Jersey Black Seal High Pressure engineer license (exam proctured by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development), job placement help, and continuous career support.
Program Guide | 2024 Program Details
Eligibility
No experience around a boiler is required to enroll in this program. This is because students or "Externs" will receive their experience during the program by completing hands-on (on-site) experience working under the direction of our operations team at various high pressure steam or thermal plants. The program requirements are:
18 Years or Older (by time of testing)
High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
Own a Smart Phone
Passing a Basic Pre-Test
Compliance to Personal Conduct Standards
How this works…
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Master the Fundamentals
From your first class in your externship program, you’ll start developing the professional, technical, and personal skills needed for the industry. You’ll learn the fundamentals of being a great operator and industry professional. Your basic working habits and professional profile is the perfect starting point and from there we will discover the various technical aspects of a typical boiler plant and related systems. These 16 dynamic classes and 3 workshops will translate into practical, real-world skills to get your black seal boiler operator career underway.
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Apply Them Hands-On
We know that adults are most effectively trained when things can be applied immediately in a hands-on environment. Trainees will apply the lessons in class to a real-world boiler room plant, training under licensed operators. There is a requirement of 120 hours of work experience in a high pressure boiler plant before taking the state exam. Here, you will put some of the practical skills learned in your classes to use in a real high pressure system. A combination of learning and performance activities are completed and organized by the end of the program.
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Graduate a Licensed Engineer
In the last stage of the Externship Program, you will begin preparing for the New Jersey State Black Seal High Pressure exam. The Black Seal prep classes, which will be held towards the end of your classroom schedule, will cover the various subjects that will be on the state exam, pressure vessel compliance, necessary N.J.A.C. codes, and logbook compliance. Students will have access to an Online Study Center, which aids in learning the materials as effectively as possible. Flash cards, practice quizzes, and instructor guidance will provide you with everything you need to pass the test.
The Course
The course consists of 16 classes and 3 workshops. They last approximately 2 to 2.5 hours each. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format: live, in-person classes at our state-of-the-art classroom and laboratory and live-streamed via online webinar (Zoom). This training includes the fundamentals and best practices needed to be successful in the real-world and then also prepares you for the New Jersey Black Seal High Pressure state exam. This is the flagship program of The Training Center Institute and is the ultimate break-in program to build a successful career in this industry.
Our Approach
Our philosophy is to give you a complete education that brings together hands-on experience, traditional classroom learning, and industry-specific career development throughout your education. That unique combination will allow you to gain the knowledge and tools you’ll need to succeed in this industry. Our customized lessons are a key part of that philosophy. These dynamic presentations cut the fat out of traditional industry readings, focusing on the skills and best practices for operators wanting a real career.
Admission Process
The Externship Program will have an application/admission process in which potential students who wish to join the program must apply through an aptitude test and an interview process. The reason for this is to ensure potential students are fit to work in this operational landscape are will thrive under our training. It is our intention to maintain a high standard for graduates of this program.
Cost
$4,500 (Flexible Tuition Financing Available)
Graduate Testimonials
“The Externship Program is a great way to get your foot in the door if you’re interested in entering the industry. The training sites have great instructors who will help you with whatever you need. With no prior knowledge or experience, I went through the program and now have a reliable career full of potential. With some hard work and dedication, you can establish the same for yourself.”
— Steve Bow, Class of 2018
“As a young African-American male who wasn’t quite sure what direction I wanted to pursue career-wise, I couldn’t have made a better decision with my life by enrolling myself into the Externship Program. Patrick and Dan Moscatiello, Brian Doyle, Nikki Coleman all go out of their way to ensure the upmost success of their current students and alumni. Not only is it one of the most phenomenal returns I’ve made on an investment, but it also allowed me to grow, mature, thrive, and become a more well-rounded person overall. A more marketable individual in the workforce. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Training Center’s staff did a remarkable and outstanding job working with Externs on tuition and payment plans for those who suffered financially, while making sure students had the resources they needed to excel in the course and NJ High Pressure Black Seal Exam. In addition, staff members of the Training Center were even kind enough to offer the Spring 2020 Externs a free opportunity to become certified EPA technicians, which I successfully took full advantage of during my journey to becoming a licensed operator. I’m truly thankful, grateful, and appreciative for the extraordinary education and support I received from the Externship Program.”
— Samajay Williams, Class of 2020
“Participating in the Externship Program was a great new experience for me. They provided me with the knowledge to become a successful plant operator. Great, supportive staff, flexible schedule, hands-on training, test prep, and support in finding employment. The Training Center is more than a school, it’s a family!”
— Hobart Shelton, Class of 2019
“The entire staff was great in giving you help in any way you needed it. Also, if you showed that you are serious about this line of work, they would do anything possible to help you with work after receiving your license. The best.”
— Damien Askew, Class of 2018
“The Externship Program gave me the foundation and license I needed to begin my career. The curriculum is setup for the externs to learn and succeed in this field.”
— Ruben Feliciano, Class of 2015
“I’ve been in the maintenance field for years. Specifically, I was in the industrial cleaning business. I had a low-pressure license for a few years. I needed a change. The externship program gave me the opportunity to acquire my high-pressure license. These instructors are highly professional and well-spoken. They are great teachers and extremely organized in how they teach and bring you through the program step by step. If you are looking for a change in career I highly recommend the externship program to start your journey.”
— John Cristiano, Class of 2019
About Us
Why The Training Center?
At The Training Center, we build lasting relationships with our students, providing industry-leading training backed by lifelong support. Our hands-on, practical approach ensures you retain valuable skills, whether it's the day you complete the course or years later. With flexible online and in-person options, our engaging lessons are designed for real-life application, making us your partner for both certification and long-term success.
