About the Skill Builders Program
Explore Your Options, Build a Bridge that Will Lead to Your New Career
Santa Monica College offers a selection of skill builders (noncredit) courses available to the community at no cost (free)! Taking these skill builders (noncredit) classes can be done individually, or in some cases taking a series of classes can earn a certificate of completion. Skill builder classes provide robust learning environments and opportunities for personal and professional growth. These classes are practical, relevant stepping stones, helping you build essential skills for entry-level jobs.
Skill builder classes provide job training and can serve as a first step toward pursuing a certificate of achievement or associate degree at SMC.
Learn more about noncredit Business Pathways at SMC
Certificates of Completion
BICYCLE MAINTENANCE
Noncredit
This noncredit program will introduce students to the basics of bicycle maintenance and provide a pathway to jobs as entry-level mechanics, bicycle sales positions or bicycle shop management. Areas to be covered include introduction to small business operations, technical and mechanical skill development, drive-train design and maintenance, wheel and hub systems, brake systems, suspensions, handlebar, and stem assembly and an introduction to “pedal-assist”, electric and light- electric vehicle (LEV) technologies. This program will explore the various career pathways in the bicycle industry at the local, national and international levels. This program is not intended as a substitute for any credit certificate or associate degree. It is recommended that students have an intermediate or higher skill level in ESL.
BICYCLE MAINTENANCE - NONCREDIT 901, Bicycle Maintenance Level 1
This course provides a basic understanding of bicycle maintenance and adjustments
and techniques to fix the most common problems. Topics include technical and mechanical
skill development, tool selection and use, drive-train systems, wheel and hub systems,
brake systems, suspensions, handlebar, and stem assemblies. Career pathways in the
bicycle industry at the local, national and international levels will be explored.
BICYCLE MAINTENANCE - NONCREDIT 902, Bicycle Maintenance Level 2
This course provides a foundation for those who wish to pursue a career in the bicycle
industry including owning their own shops, working at a local bicycle shop, starting
their own bicycle-related business, or finding employment in the bicycle industry.
Topics in shop operations include customer service, sales, inventory management, customer
segment focus, computer system selection, cash flow projections, establishing and
developing vendor relationships, insurance, service ticket writing, pricing, and labor
rates.
BUSINESS ESSENTIALS LEVEL 1
Noncredit
This noncredit program is consistent with SMC’s Mission to assist students in the development of skills needed to succeed in college and prepare students for careers requiring general business skills. Careers in business are often one of the most sought-after opportunities. Business activity is all around us, as it affects our daily lives as we work, invest and play. Consequently, people want to learn about business and its intricacies. This program will introduce students to general business concepts, including the key business functions and the role of entrepreneurship in the United States economy. This program is not intended as a substitute for any credit certificate or associate degree. It is recommended that students have an intermediate or higher skill level in ESL.
BUSINESS NONCREDIT 901, Introduction to Business Basic
This course provides an overview of the business environment. The experience in this
course will enable you to develop a better understanding of what business is all about,
how a business operates and which business functions are needed in any business enterprise.
The topics include Management, Accounting/Finance, Production, Distribution, Research
and Development, Regulations and Labor.
BUSINESS NONCREDIT 902, Introduction to Business Mindset
In order to succeed in business, individuals need to have the right mindset. This
course provides an overview of the entrepreneurial mindset that individuals often
acquire in order to succeed in business and can apply to other aspects of their lives.
Topics include Inside the Mindset, Mindset and Leadership and Changing Mindsets.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Noncredit
This noncredit program introduces students to the theories of the customer service exchange and practical application during a customer encounter. This program provides marketable business knowledge and professional skills to students seeking employment in various customer driven industries. This program provides context for the business environment and practical tools to use to provide quality customer service. This program is not intended as a substitute for any credit certificate or associate degree. It is recommended that students have an intermediate or higher skill level in ESL.
BUSINESS NONCREDIT 911, Customer Service Level 1
This course highlights the key principles, attitudes, and techniques needed to provide
excellent customer service in today's global business environment. Major topics covered
include (1) defining and understanding the importance of quality customer service
to build a competitive advantage for a business and strong relationships with the
business's customers; (2) developing communication skills so that students have the
knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet or exceed customers' expectations; (3) managing
one's attitudes, motivation, stress, and time to promote positive daytoday interactions
on the job; and (4) identifying potential customer service breakdowns in order to
recover the service relationship and build customer loyalty. Throughout the course,
attention will be given to developing students' emotional intelligence, leadership
abilities, and career opportunities.
BUSINESS NONCREDIT 912, Customer Service Level 2
This course highlights the key principles and techniques needed to provide excellent
customer service in today's global business environment. Major topics covered include
(1) developing skills in the 5 key areas of Emotional Intelligence: SelfAwareness,
Self Regulation, Motivation, Empathy, and Social Management; (2) building positive,
customer-focused relationships; (3) identifying customer service breakdowns; (4) demonstrating
the skills necessary to recover the customer after a breakdown; (5) communicating
with customers to build their loyalty; and (6) demonstrating Cultural Intelligence
when communicating with customers. Throughout the course, attention will be given
to building students' emotional intelligence, leadership abilities, and career opportunities.
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