LBWCC FAQs

Are online college classes easier than campus classes?

Yes and no. As far as the curriculum, depth of syllabus and workload are concerned, online college classes are typically the same level of difficulty as campus classes. There are some factors that make online college classes easier than campus classes, while other factors make them more challenging. It depends on the student taking the class and how they manage their workload.

With online college classes, you save on travel time and can attend lectures from the comfort of your home or even while traveling. On the other hand, online college classes require more self-discipline and self-motivation. Online education has gained popularity due to its ability to reach out to students whose schedules or situations would have otherwise not permitted them to complete a college degree.

Is it faster to get an online degree than a traditional campus-based degree?

This depends on various factors. Some online college degree programs have the same duration as their traditional counterparts. Typically, an associate's degree takes about two years, while a bachelor's degree takes four years to complete.

There are some online degrees that one can complete in less than four years, depending on the structure of the program and the pace the student can maintain. In such cases, it's possible to complete an associate's degree in 15 to 24 months and a bachelor's degree in 36 to 48 months. In these cases, each semester's curriculum has been condensed into a couple of months. So, they can be highly demanding. Some courses follow the same duration, while allowing students to complete coursework ahead of time. It is, then, up to the students to get an online degree faster.

Do employers consider online educated graduates?

There was a time, more than a decade back, when employers were skeptical about online educated graduates. This was a time when online education was a rarity. Today, the situation has changed dramatically, with online education being offered by highly reputed institutes and an increasing number of students opting for the same. Over 6.3 million students in the US signed up for online courses in 2016, according to federal data. Between 2008 and 2018, online course enrollment has risen every year.

Employers have started respecting online education and considering online educated graduates from accredited institutes. In a survey of executives conducted by CareerBuilder.com, 83% respondents said that they consider online degrees as being as credible as a traditional, campus-based one.

Do students have guidance when they sign up for online classes?

There is a difference between online courses and online classes. Some online courses provide minimal assistance to students. Such assistance may be mapped to the most common issues faced by students and the answers could be generic, rather than personalized to the student's specific need.

In case of online classes provided by accredited institutes, professors and experts provide guidance to students. The guidance is tailored to be student-specific. There is complete handholding for query resolution, whether it is curriculum related or to increase student awareness of career advancement opportunities.

What does a natural gas engine technician do?

Companies with large fleets, like FedEx and UPS, have started using natural gas engines in their trucks for the dual advantage of them being cleaner and for lower operating costs (as natural gas is less expensive than fuel). Natural gas engine maintenance and repair expertise is now in high demand and such technicians work in dynamic environments. The main role of natural gas engine maintenance and repair technicians is to conduct regular operation and maintenance activities on natural gas engines, troubleshoot engine malfunctions, perform overhauls and work through issues as they arise.

Since employers prefer candidates with formal training, you could consider LBWCC's Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanics program, which includes a natural gas component. Apart from increasing your technical knowledge through the curriculum, you will have the opportunity to work on large engines fueled by natural gas.

What training does a natural gas engine technician need?

With employers having a strong preference for candidates with formal training, an increasing number of people are looking for technician training programs. Remember that you need to prepare yourself for the future. And, the future will see an increasing number of companies switching to natural gas engines. Companies with massive fleets, like FedEx and UPS, have already started using trucks with natural gas engines, because these are cleaner and cost much less than fuel.

LBWCC's Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanics program includes a natural gas component. The enhanced curriculum will increase your technical knowledge in natural gas engine maintenance and repair. You will also gain hands-on exposure, as the program includes training on large engines fueled by natural gas.

This program will equip you with knowledge for conducting regular maintenance activities, diagnosing engine-related problems, repairing engine malfunctions and performing overhauls. Taught by instructors who have participated in extensive professional development in their fields, the program prepares you to become a part of a modern and progressive workforce.

What will I learn in a heating and air conditioning course?

A strong heating and air conditioning course will teach you basic theory around the installation, repair and maintenance of HVAC systems. You will learn the fundamentals of electricity, including:

Control circuits and electrical controls
Electrical testing
Circuits, symbols, parallel and series circuit rules
Wattage, resistance, current and voltage
Capacitance, inductance and Ohm's law

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of domestic and commercial refrigeration as well as residential and commercial air conditioning. The program will cover the latest technologies, where you learn about thermodynamic cycles, refrigerants, heat load calculations, electrical control work, test meters, thermostats and much more. You will also learn the best practices for venting, piping and ductwork.

How do I get certified in heating and cooling?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates all technicians working with refrigerant to get certified. You can consider LBWCC's Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program, which prepares you for the certification exam. The program teaches you how to safely handle refrigerant.

Apart from this, the program introduces you to the fundamentals of HVAC equipment, heating and cooling technologies and electrical safety. It also offers you extensive hands-on training using industry standard equipment.