NEWBERG, Ore. — Portland Community College’s Newberg Center is shifting its focus from general education and university transfer programs to workforce training — particularly in skilled trades and health care.
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Karen Sanders, assistant associate vice president of academic and career pathways at PCC, said enrollment has been difficult to maintain since the pandemic.
“We heard a lot of feedback from community folks saying what we really need is skills training, particularly in the health care field, and we’re also looking at advanced manufacturing,” Sanders said. “This fall, we are kicking off our very first health-focused programming, offering entry-level training for people to explore careers, learn what kinds of jobs are available, and take some introductory coursework.”
PCC Newberg offers nutrition for health careers, along with CPR, AED, and first aid training for people already in the workforce who don’t want a new degree but do want certifications.
The shift follows a PCC assessment last year aimed at understanding statewide employer trends. The college also consulted with a Workforce Oregon economist about job openings in Newberg and responded to additional community feedback.
“Both health care and advanced manufacturing came up as things employers are looking for and people are interested in,” Sanders said. “In terms of PCC’s larger mission, one of our strategic goals is economic development, so we’re leaning into supporting these sectors in Oregon that are also backed at the state level.”
Sanders said PCC hopes to make Newberg a destination campus, as other locations have done with specialized programs like welding.
“We are looking at what kinds of programs we could offer at Newberg to attract students — certified nursing assistant is one,” she said. “A CNA program looks really promising because it’s short term, and there are a lot of facilities in the Newberg area that employ and need CNAs.”
PCC expects to launch the CNA program next winter or spring term. The college already offers a medical professions certificate.
“The concept is to offer foundational courses at Newberg, and then folks would go to other locations to enroll in two-year degree programs,” Sanders said. “For example, nursing, dental hygiene, dental assisting, and radiography all require biology, medical terminology, and other prerequisites.”
From there, students can transfer to schools like Newberg’s George Fox University. Sanders said PCC is meeting regularly with George Fox to ensure entry-level credits in studies such as exercise science and kinesiology transfer directly.
She added that PCC Newberg will continue its strong English as a Second Language program, which serves immigrants and refugees. Most changes will instead affect freshman-level writing, developmental math, and some introductory social sciences, shifting toward technical and career education.
“One of the challenges is the building was designed as a transfer location — you can’t just spin up a dental lab,” Sanders said. “If we’re going to offer one or two new programs, we need to dial in what they are and then figure out the facility needs.”
PCC has also been in preliminary talks with the Northwest Regional Education Service District and continues its relationship with Providence Newberg.
“I think these changes will benefit Newberg employers by providing a skilled workforce, training for current employees, and career exploration for high school students,” Sanders said. “We’re working with George Fox and the schools to look at the whole pathway, from ninth grade through master’s degrees, and build something in Newberg that plays to our strengths.”
PCC Newberg Center will showcase its new programs and long-term strategy at an open house on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 135 Werth Blvd. The event will include tours, class information, partnership opportunities, and feedback sessions.
“There are all kinds of careers people don’t even know about, and with an aging population, there are many opportunities in assisted living facilities,” Sanders said. “Our long-term vision is for Newberg to be a destination where people come from across the region for high-quality health care and professional training.”
PCC Newberg Center’s Winter term schedule will be released Oct. 24, with class registration beginning on Nov. 10. Learn more at the PCC Newberg Center website.
