Why Consider Welding Fabrication Technician?

These skills are in high demand across many industries, making you a valuable asset with extensive opportunities.
Mastering shielded metal, gas metal, and gas tungsten arc welding (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) as well as designing, cutting, bending, and machining expands your skillset and career opportunities.
You're interested in a career that allows you to see the skillful results of your hands-on work every day.

Why Learn at Lakeshore?

This program is offered through our flexible competency-based education (CBE) format, which allows you to accelerate your learning while receiving personalized coaching and support.
With frequent start dates, begin when it's convenient for you.
Lakeshore is an American Welding Society Accredited Test Facility, making certification testing convenient for you.
Instructors have experience in the field, teaching, and testing.
Learn in our state-of-the-art facilities, including our KOHLER Center for Manufacturing Excellence.

What It Takes

Attention to detail
Ability to read work orders and instructions to determine product specifications and material requirements
Good mechanical aptitude
Ability to climb, lift, balance, kneel and stand

Lakeshore is an accredited test facility for the American Welding Society. Learn more about our testing facility.

AWS Welding Certified

*Welding program course content prepares students for numerous state and national certifications. None are required to complete the program; there are additional costs for testing/certification. Federal regulations state that institutions may not enroll students who intend to practice in states in which our curriculum does not meet their requirements for preparation, examination, or licensure. If you intend to work outside of Wisconsin, please work with your academic counselor to determine if Lakeshore’s curriculum and/or Wisconsin’s credentials will suffice for the state you intend to practice in.

Career Area

Manufacturing

Type

Technical Diploma

Program Number

32-457-1

Availability

CBE

2 Terms
54 Credits
Financial Aid Eligible
Frequent start dates

Career Outlook

Welding Fabrication Technician

Median Income: $58,063.00*

POTENTIAL JOB TITLES

(Click a title for job description)

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Fabricate, position, align, and fit parts of structural metal products.

Disclosure:

*Lightcast/EMSI data is a hybrid dataset derived from official government sources such as the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. This salary data is from the Lakeshore District.

Admissions and Enrollment Waitlist and Petition Flexible Learning Courses

Admission and First Semester Enrollment Steps

Submit online application
Complete the online Student Success Questionnaire
Complete Get Started at Lakeshore appointment
- Application Check-in
- College Orientation Overview
- 1st Time Program Registration

Submit high school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores (optional, highly recommended). Official transcripts will be needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.

Program Cost

Tuition Cost: $12,834.37
Book Cost: $85.00
Supply Cost: $270.00
Program Total: $13,189.37

Some of Lakeshore College’s programs may reach program capacity due to high demand. When this occurs, the College will follow the Admissions Procedure to establish and maintain a waitlist to prioritize enrollment. In addition, some programs may offer a petition process outlined in their specific program handbook.

COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION is a learning model offering far more flexibility than traditional models. Fitting college around your work and personal commitments is possible because CBE allows you to:

Learn When You Want To
Progress at Your Own Pace
Receive Personalized Coaching & Support

Learn More About CBE

Apply Now

Faculty Bios

Brian Strebe

I worked in the field of welding and fabrication for many years. I enjoy sharing with others my knowledge and teaching them a new skill set that will get them started in a very rewarding career.

Learn More About This Instructor

David Saunders

I worked in the field of welding and fabrication for 35+ years and having the opportunity to pass my knowledge down to others is so rewarding. Teaching is one way to give back to an industry that has given me many opportunities.

Learn More About This Instructor

Jeremy Dekker

As a welding educator, I am excited to share my experiences with today's future Welders and Fabricators and watch them grow in this profession!

Learn More About This Instructor

Mitchell Schmidt

Being a welding instructor involves more than the classroom and textbook teaching. Throughout mentoring and coaching, I strive to create a high skill level for all students so that they are successful in the welding industry.

Learn More About This Instructor