PCC's Spring Trades Career Fair Features Employers Showcasing Top Local Jobs (Photo) -04/01/25

HILLSBORO, Ore. – Portland Community College will host its Spring Trades Career Fair from 12:30-3 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, at the Willow Creek Opportunity Center (241 SW Edgeway Drive) in Hillsboro.

 

More than 50 local employers will attend to meet job seekers interested in careers in fields such as manufacturing, bioscience, shipfitting, welding, ironwork, machining, construction, microelectronics, and other skilled trades. Attendees can explore union apprenticeships, industry internships, and direct job openings.

 

“This fair is ideal whether you're experienced, new to trades, or considering a career change,” said Michelle Parr, business and industry liaison for PCC’s Career Pathways & STEP program. “It’s a great chance to connect directly with employers hiring now.”

 

PCC’s Career Pathways Program offers more than 50 short-term certificates, each designed to quickly lead students into employment and further education. Students receive personalized coaching to navigate college and identify career options.

 

The event is free and open to PCC students, staff, community members, and partner agencies. Free on-site parking is available. Attendees can also reach the center via TriMet bus lines 52 and 88, or the MAX Blue Line.

 

More information is available at pcc.edu/career-pathways or interested employers can email michelle.parr@pcc.edu.

 

 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 53,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

 

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

 

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

 

PCC's 'fairy Job Mother' Named NKBA/KBIS National Educator Of The Year (Photo) -03/25/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College interior design instructor Robin Rigby Fisher is known to her students as the “fairy job mother” for her ability to guide them to employment success. However, her students can now call her something else -- national educator of the year.

 

In March, the Milwaukie (Oak Grove) resident was awarded the inaugural 2025 NKBA/KBIS Educator of the Year award at the National Kitchen and Bath Association's prestigious Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas. She accepted the trophy before a wide audience that included 11 of her current students, underscoring her impact as both an educator and mentor.

 

“Being awarded the first-ever NKBA Educator of the Year is such an honor,” Fisher said. “The design industry has been so good to me over the years, and I feel it's my responsibility to give back to the next generation. It's an incredible honor to be recognized for doing something I love.” 

 

Fisher’s recognition at the industry-leading event attended by professionals nationwide highlights her contributions to kitchen and bath design education. According to the NKBA, Fisher combines "award-winning creativity with a deep passion for education, mentorship, and innovation," qualities that have made her an influential figure in her field.

Since starting her design career in 1989, she has successfully launched both a residential design-build remodeling company and an independent residential design firm. Her contributions to the industry earned her a spot among Kitchen & Bath Design News' Top 50 Innovators in 2017.

 

Fisher’s dedication extends well beyond the classroom. For five years, she has brought PCC design students to the conference, offering invaluable exposure to the industry’s premier professionals. This year, Fisher hosted a special VIP event at the show to spotlight her students, describing the experience as "off the charts" for those in attendance.

“I really get jazzed when I hear about students’ successes after graduation,” she said.

 

Fisher, who is the faculty chair of the Interior Design Program, joined PCC in 2003. Currently, she is working with industry leaders to establish a cutting-edge lighting and cabinetry lab at PCC's Sylvania Campus. This effort will further elevate interior design and allow partnering with other college programs to create a collaborative lab experience, she said.

 

This all part of her bigger plan for her program.

 

“We have students coming from all over the U.S. and Japan,” Fisher said. “I want our program recognized as the best two-year residential design program in the U.S.”

 

This year, two of her students were named to NKBA’s "30 Under 30," an exclusive group of rising stars in kitchen and bath design. This accomplishment brings the total to five PCC graduates earning this distinction—a testament to Fisher’s impact. Members of the NKBA's selection committee stated she instills confidence in students who often lack it upon entering the professional world and actively connects them with industry leaders. Many continue seeking her mentorship long after graduation.

Peers and industry colleagues also praised Fisher's dedication to realism and creativity in design education. Here is a sampling of comments by the selection committee:

• “She doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of the industry. Instead, she prepares her students for real-world experiences.”

• “She encourages students to explore their unique voices, fostering a creative and inclusive learning environment.”

For more information on PCC’s Interior Design Program, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/interior-design/

 

  

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 53,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

 

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

Free Or Low-cost Healthcare Services Coming To PCC’s Southeast Campus (Photo) -03/19/25

SOUTHEAST PORTLAND, Ore. – Starting April 2, Portland Community College’s Southeast Campus will host free and low-cost healthcare services on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday of the month thanks to a new partnership with Multnomah County Community Health Center.

 

The mobile clinic will be offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and case management services from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on the specified Wednesdays, likely through summer term based on demand. The clinic, open to students, staff and community members, will be located in the courtyard between the Mt. Tabor and Mt. Scott buildings.

 

This isn't the first time the county’s mobile clinic has been at PCC. The bus attended the college’s Basic Needs Resource Fair last year at the Cascade Campus.

 

“The response was incredible—they booked every time slot available,” said Tammy Dowd Shearer, PCC basic needs coordinator. “Clearly, our community has a significant need for these accessible healthcare services.”

 

Services offered include treatment for injuries and illnesses, physical exams, reproductive health care, vaccines, pregnancy testing, dental check-ups and cleanings, behavioral health assessments, and limited prescription drugs.

 

Appointments are not required, and care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-ups begin at 1 p.m. at the Basic Needs Hub table near the Panther Pantry (Room 152) in Mt. Tabor Great Hall. The medical team can treat about six patients each visit, while dental services accommodate two to three patients. Behavioral health providers offer assessments, follow-ups, and referrals to specialized care. A case manager helps connect people to county and state resources.

 

PCC has seen a sharp rise in demand for support with childcare, food and housing. A recent study by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice found that 64% of PCC students faced basic-needs insecurity, and 52% of Oregon community college students experienced housing insecurity.

 

Multnomah County’s mobile clinic specifically targets community members who historically have had issues accessing traditional healthcare, including transportation challenges. The mobile clinic accepts Oregon Health Plan and other insurance, but no insurance is required. No one is turned away due to inability to pay.

 

“Our goal is simple: Provide care to those without regular access, then help them establish long-term relationships with primary care providers,” said Ryan Linskey, mobile health clinic program manager for Multnomah County Community Health Center. 

 

For more information, visit the Multnomah County Mobile Medical Van website or email basicneeds@pcc.edu.

 

 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 53,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

 

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

 

B-ROLL for TV: PCC campus and student life.

PCC Healthcare Programs Shift Training To Energize Workforce (Photo) -03/12/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – The healthcare industry in the United States is experiencing a severe shortage of workers driven by the medical needs of an aging population. And, the industry is expected to add jobs over the next decade — 1.6 million through 2033, which is about 24% of all new jobs in the economy (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

 

To help meet this demand, Portland Community College has developed credentials that help build a qualified workforce more quickly.

 

PCC’s Healthcare Careers Certificate is an opportunity for high school students enrolled in two dual credit programs—Jefferson High School Middle College for Advanced Studies and Hillsboro Independent School District Early College.

 

“This offers a unique exposure to healthcare at no direct cost to students,” said Hailey Lofdahl, faculty member and Medical Professions Program chair. “They can earn a 14-credit certificate that prepares them with foundational skills employers require while also exploring a variety of healthcare careers.”

 

The certificate equips students with technical and soft skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and health information management. Many graduates secure roles as emergency room technicians, surgical techs, patient access specialists, and medical interpreters while continuing their education. The curriculum includes courses in medical terminology, healthcare law and ethics, CPR/AED certification, and healthcare delivery systems.

 

With classes available both online and in person, the certificate ensures flexibility while fostering career readiness. “Many students use this as a stepping stone toward nursing, biomedical engineering, or pre-med studies,” Lofdahl added.

 

Certificate Passes Eye Test

 

Elsewhere, PCC is piloting a revamped Eye Technician Certificate Program, condensing its two-year Ophthalmic Medical Technology degree into a streamlined, one-year certificate. With an inaugural cohort of 18 students starting this past winter, the program, which is based at the Cascade Campus in North Portland, responds to industry demands for qualified ophthalmic technicians while making education more accessible and cost-effective.

 

“We’ve redeveloped the program in response to long-standing trends of declining enrollment and strong industry need,” said Ellie Bessarab, Eye Tech instructor. “This new model reduces time-to-completion and program costs while maintaining our high standards.”

 

Key benefits of the program include a 12-month completion time, which significantly reduces tuition and fees; early clinical rotations in the first term for hands-on experience; and eligibility for the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Certified Ophthalmic Technician Exam.

 

“Shortening the program allows us to meet demand while making training more accessible,” Bessarab noted.

 

Emergency Medical Services: A Fast Track to Careers

 

Also at Cascade is PCC’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program, the largest in the state. It provides students with a rapid and rewarding pathway into emergency medicine. With options to complete Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification in as little as one to two terms, students can quickly enter the workforce or use their training as a stepping stone toward advanced medical careers.

 

Quintin Laville, a recent EMT student, described the program’s appeal: “I wanted a purpose. I want to help people and grow as a person. This program is fast-paced, hands-on, and exciting.”

 

Led by experienced instructors who have worked in the field, the program emphasizes real-world application and teamwork. Due to increasing demand, PCC has also reintroduced its accelerated EMT program, condensing the curriculum into one term. This change responds to industry needs and allows students to begin working sooner.

 

“The demand for EMTs continues to grow, and this program provides a strong foundation for students entering emergency medicine,” said James Gray, EMS faculty and department chair as well as Paramedicine program director. “We are seeing students from all walks of life—some starting fresh, others with degrees in different fields—begin meaningful careers here.”

 

For more information about PCC’s wide array of healthcare and emergency professions training, visit www.pcc.edu/health/

 

 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

 

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

Opera Curious? A Spring PCC Community Ed Class Takes A Dramatic (Photo) -03/04/25

PORTLAND, Ore. – If you like your classes full of drama, then Portland Community College has a course for you.

 

Opera has long been regarded as an art form steeped in tradition, elegance and high culture. But for many, it remains an intimidating world, shrouded in mystery and exclusivity. Enter Alexis Hamilton, manager of education and community engagement at Portland Opera, and Miriam Budner, community education coordinator at PCC. Together, they have created

 

“Opera for Everyone: Falstaff,” a non-credit course designed to make opera approachable, enjoyable, and accessible to all. At its core, “Opera for Everyone” is an invitation to experience the passion, drama and grandeur of opera in an inclusive and engaging way. The course provides an opportunity to explore Verdi’s “Falstaff”—a lively and comedic opera—through an interactive lecture, a backstage tour, and attendance at a student dress rehearsal.

 

“Our goal is to invite people to arts experiences who might otherwise be intimidated by lack of knowledge, experience, or companionship,” said Budner.

 

A Whirlwind Tour of Opera

 

The program is a natural extension of PCC’s Community Education initiative, which enrolls over 25,000 non-credit students annually in a variety of courses, from arts and music to wellness and languages. Hamilton, a trained mezzo-soprano with over 30 years of experience in opera education and performance, is leading the course with her signature enthusiasm and depth of knowledge.

 

“Do you yearn for an evening of passion with no regrets in the morning? Do you like music? Stories? Emotional truths and catharsis?” Hamilton said. “Then you might be ‘Opera Curious’.”

 

Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, the class explores opera’s history and conventions, taking students on a whirlwind tour of the art form before immersing them in the magic of “Falstaff.” The story follows the scheming rogue Sir John Falstaff, who attempts to woo two married women for financial gain—only to be outwitted by their clever retaliation.

 

One of Hamilton’s primary missions is to dismantle the stereotypes surrounding opera. 

 

“Often, what we think of as opera stems from cartoons or advertisements featuring a fat lady in a breastplate and horns,” she said. “But opera is anything but stodgy. It’s about our most basic emotions writ large. The situations are emotionally intense and potent—otherwise, why sing about them?”

 

Hamilton’s passion for accessibility is evident. With over two decades at Portland Opera, she has worked tirelessly to introduce audiences of all ages to the art form, from preschoolers and developmentally disabled adults to lifelong learners seeking a new cultural experience.

 

A Behind-the-Scenes Experience

 

The three-part class includes:

• May 1: A multimedia lecture at PCC’s Southeast Campus.

• May 8: A backstage tour at the Keller Auditorium, followed by the “Falstaff” student dress rehearsal.

• May 15: A post-performance discussion at the Southeast Campus.

Through this class structure, Hamilton emphasizes the power of experiencing opera firsthand and discussing the whats and whys of the production. She added, “Opera is wonderfully cathartic and continues to give upon multiple viewings. The human voice is a distinctly powerful instrument that connects with people on a visceral level.”

 

Hamilton and Budner hope that “Opera for Everyone” will become a recurring offering, potentially linked to future opera productions. Their ultimate goal is to encourage more people to step into the world of opera—whether for the first time or as a rediscovery.

 

“I think many people don’t know they need opera in their life,” Hamilton said. “In a time of constant distractions, opera demands our attention and rewards us with profound emotional and artistic experiences.”

 

Registration opens March 5 for PCC’s Community Ed classes. In addition to opera, spring term classes include, “Strength Training for Seniors,” to promote healthy living and “Local Adventures,” which takes students on shorter excursions to explore the region though a fun activity.

 

To view spring class offerings and register, visit www.pcc.edu/community.

 

 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

 

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/