The Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) of De Anza College is one of twelve CACT's in the state of California. The CACT is a nonprofit, grant-funded, economic development program which provides a wide range of training services to manufacturers and related businesses. CACT serves all industries from Santa Cruz to Mendocino Counties.

Our Services

• Customized, Affordable On-Site Training
• Workshops
• Technical Consulting
• Technology Transfer
• Support for Employment Training Panel (ETP) Funding

Customized On-Site Training
Our primary service at CACT @ De Anza college is customized on-site training delivered in a flexible, application-oriented way. The training programs focus on helping companies implement basic and advanced manufacturing techniques to aid in achieving technical and business objectives. For the short term, training and application is accomplished. In the longer term, the applications, techniques, and tools continue to be applied throughout the organization.

All CACT Trainers have hands-on experience from industry and training expertise within the manufacturing environment. Click to see the complete list of training topics by category.

Workshops
Over forty workshops are offered each year as an excellent, cost-effective way to gain technical knowledge. CACT also offers certifications in IPC-J-STD, IPC-A-610, ISO 9000, and Hand Soldering to name a few. Workshops are especially important to the many small companies we serve. Workshops are demand driven, so Contact Us with your interest.

Technical Consulting
Technical consulting services are provided by De Anza CACT and can cover a wide range of technical services. Initial site visits are provided as a complimentary service to discuss needs and strategies. Upon completion of the initial visit, an on-site report and quotation is provided. Common areas of technical consulting and assistance include: Statistical Process Control (SPC) Implementation, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, ISO9000 and Auditing, and Electrostatic Discharge Control Audits. Through technical consulting, clients have realized more efficient production of top quality products.

Technology Transfer
For the third year, The De Anza College CACT is the Northern California affiliate of the Far West Regional Technology Transfer Center (RTTC). Through the RTTC we link companies with national and university labs and provide access to technology, sophisticated equipment and national experts. We have partnerships with Community Colleges, NASA and Lawrence Livermore Test laboratories in this area.

Support for Employment Training Panel Funding
State funds are available through the Employment Training Panel (ETP) to offset the cost of on-site training. Companies who pay unemployment insurance to the state can be eligible for reimbursement. Companies threatened by out-of-state competition are also prime candidates for ETP assistance.
De Anza College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) has been working with manufacturers since 1991 to assist in the development of ETP contracts. Utilizing our service, companies can be relieved of extensive paperwork and benefit from a flexible, timely customized training program.

The Center for Applied Competitive Technologies can provide:

• One-stop service for training and technical services to small and medium sized businesses in advanced management and manufacturing process technology.
• A training environment for workforce skills enhancement and technology development.
• Partnerships with businesses, industry, service providers and professional organizations.
• Handling ETP administration and providing the training. The De Anza College CACT has a proven successful track record in the development of ETP contracts and as a training provider in the Silicon Valley Region.
• Access to De Anza College's Advanced Manufacturing and Design Lab for workshops or demonstrations centered around computer-integrated manufacturing and/or process technology.
• An integrated approach for technology deployment and educational services through college curriculum.

The De Anza College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies is ready to serve you. The California Community College system of two-year public institutions is part of 107 nationwide colleges organized into 71 districts. It serves more than 1.4 million students and represents the largest system of higher education in the world.