The Externship Program

Career Development for Operating Engineers

Spring 2024 Enrollment is open now! Classes begin March 12, 2024.

The Externship Program

Career Development for Plant Operating Engineers & Online Classes Combined With Hands-On Experience
Next Program Begins - March 12, 2024

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 (fully online classes) and professional practice (hands-on at one of our facilities). Students obtain real-world experience at a self-scheduled pace, graduate with a NJ High Pressure Black Seal license, and have our full support in helping with job placement and career growth.

  • High Pressure, Low Pressure, Steam, Hydronic, Steam Education, Stationary Engineer, Black Seal

    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.

  • the training center externship program, High Pressure, Low Pressure, Steam, Hydronic, Steam Education, Stationary Engineer, Black Seal, hands-on training, sit time

    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. We review soft skills before learning hard skills.

  • All 15 Classes Are Fully Online

    Using Zoom, students attend and interact with their classes in the comfort of their own homes while avoiding safety concerns. Everything needed to review and study is available on-demand in our new study portal.
    — If you are sure you want to sign up for the program, click the link below. —

  • Fall 2023 Semester Class Dates

    B101: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    B102: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    B103: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    B104: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    B105: Tuesday, October 24, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    ** Halloween ( 1 Week Break ) **

    B106: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    B107: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    ** Thanksgiving ( 2 Week Break ) **

    B108: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    B109: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    B110: Monday, December 18, 2023 6:00-8:00 PM

    ** Christmas & New Years ( 2 Week Break ) **

    B111: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B112: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B113: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B114: Tuesday, January 30, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B115: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

  • Spring 2024 Semester Class Dates

    B101: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B102: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B103: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B104: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B105: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B106: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    ** Spring Break ( 2 Week Break ) **

    B107: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B108: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B109: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    ** Memorial Day ( 1 Week Break ) **

    B110: Tuesday, June 4, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B111: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B112: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B113: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    ** Independence Day ( 2 Week Break ) **

    B114: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

    B115: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 6:00-8:00 PM

The Externship Program Overview

The flagship program of our school, and with big improvements for 2023, 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 NJ Black Seal High Pressure engineer license, job placement help, and continuous career support.

Program Guide | 2022-2023 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…

  • Vocational Education and Training, The Training Center, Online Practice Test, Black Seal, Boiler Operator, Stationary Engineer

    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 13 dynamic classes will translate into practical, real-world skills to get your career underway. 

  • Oatly plant boiler refrigeration operator rounds, Vocational Education and Training, The Training Center, High pressure steam, Black seal, Blue seal, Red seal, Gold seal, White seal

    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 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’ll 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. 

  • Licensing, Vocational Education and Training, The Training Center, power plant, stationary engineer, refrigeration, High Pressure, Black Seal, Blue Seal, Red Seal, Gold Seal, White Seal

    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 towards the end of your classroom schedule, will cover the various subjects that will be on the state exam. 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 everything you need to pass the test.

The Course

The course consists of 13 classes. They last approximately 2 to 2.5-hours each. Courses are delivered live, via online webinar (Zoom). In-person training will resume (as an option) if COVID-19 safety restrictions allow for it. This training includes the fundamentals and best practices needed to be successful in the real-world and then also prepares you for the NJ 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