Why Consider Welding-Industrial?

Welding skills are in high demand across many industries, making you a valuable asset for numerous employers.
You're interested in a career that allows you to see the skillful results of your hands-on work every day.
Mastering shielded metal, gas metal, and gas tungsten arc welding (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) provides you an excellent foundation for a successful welding career.

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 decades of combined 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
Interest in understanding materials used in your work
Ability to read work orders and instructions to determine product specifications and material requirements
Good mechanical aptitude

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

AWS Welding Certified

Career Area

Manufacturing

Type

Technical Diploma

Program Number

31-442-1

Availability

CBE

Technical Diploma
2 Terms
27 Credits
Financial Aid Eligible
With multiple start dates year-round, start when it’s convenient for you.

CBE On Campus: Flexible lab/class instruction where you complete assessments at a personalized pace.

Summer Lab Availability in Plastics Engineering Company Manufacturing Building: Monday & Tuesday 7am-3pm.

Lab availability in Plastics Engineering Company Manufacturing Building: Monday - Tuesday, 7 AM - 8 PM & Wednesday - Thursday, 7 AM - 3:30 PM.

Career Outlook

Welding - Industrial

Median Income: $57,633.00*

POTENTIAL JOB TITLES

(Click a title for job description)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.

Disclosure:

*Cost based on 2025-26 academic calendar year. Program is eligible for financial aid. Visit lakeshore.edu/financial-aid
or talk with a counselor about how to apply for aid.

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: $6,093.29
Book Cost: $0.00
Supply Cost: $290.00
Program Total: $6,383.29

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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