Lakeshore College Granted Provisional Accreditation by American Welding Society
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3/05/2026
CLEVELAND, WI —
Lakeshore College has been granted Provisional Accreditation by the American Welding Society (AWS) under the AWS QC47:2016-AMD2 Specification for AWS Certification of Welders and Accreditation of Test Facilities.
The accreditation recognizes Lakeshore College’s commitment to maintaining high standards in welder performance qualification testing and certification. Under this designation, the college is authorized to conduct welder performance qualification testing using approved welding processes in accordance with nationally recognized American codes and standards. The facility may also submit welder credential packages to AWS for certification and inclusion in the AWS National Registry of Certified Welders.
“This achievement underscores Lakeshore College’s dedication to workforce development and excellence in welding education and certification services,” said Rachel Kroeplien, dean of applied technology & economic development for Lakeshore College. “This milestone strengthens our ability to serve regional employers and support workforce development.”
The provisional accreditation applies to both on-site and off-site testing locations as defined in the Accredited Test Facility (ATF) quality manual and is valid through January 1, 2027. To maintain accreditation, Lakeshore College will follow a three-year review cycle, including an on-site audit every three years and annual self-audits in off years.
For more information about Lakeshore College’s welding programs and certification services, visit lakeshore.edu or aws.org for details about AWS accreditation standards.
ABOUT LAKESHORE COLLEGE
Lakeshore College, formerly known as Lakeshore Technical College, is a comprehensive community and technical college educating more than 9,000 students annually. Students enroll at Lakeshore to master real-world, employable career skills and start their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Lakeshore faculty and staff are focused on providing each student an individualized learning experience.
Lakeshore College is a nationally recognized two-year college. The college was ranked #2 in the nation by Washington Monthly, #17 in the nation by Forbes, #2 in the state by WalletHub.com, a top-150 two-year college by the Aspen Institute, a 2024 Bellwether Award winner, and named the 2021 Large Business/Industry of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.
Approximately 800 students graduate from Lakeshore each year, and associate degree graduates report earning a median salary of $61,355 within six months of graduating. In addition to the Cleveland campus, Lakeshore educates students at learning campuses in downtown Manitowoc and downtown Sheboygan. Classes are also offered at additional sites throughout the district. Visit Lakeshore at lakeshore.edu.
Contact: Amy Hanson, Senior Marketing Specialist
Phone: 920.693.1345
Email: amy.hanson@lakeshore.edu
Press Room: lakeshore.edu/lakeshore-news
