Welding Fabrication Technician

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 is a competency-based education (CBE) program offering flexible course delivery and scheduling. 
  • Start when it’s convenient for you, almost any month of the year. 
  • 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
  • Ability to follow blueprints and design drawings
  • Interest in understanding materials used in your work
  • Good math skills and mechanical aptitude
  • Ability to perform physical activities including climbing, lifting, balancing, stooping, standing, lying down, and handling materials

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. The College does not guarantee its curriculum matches the requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states.

Career Area
Manufacturing
Type
Technical Diploma
Program Number
32-457-1
Availability
CBE
  • Technical Diploma
  • 2 Terms 
  • 54 Credits
  • Financial Aid Eligible
  • Flexible Start Dates

Fall 2024 CBE Schedule

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

Lab availability: Monday - Tuesday, 7 AM - 8 PM & Wednesday - Thursday, 7 AM - 3:30 PM.


Career Outlook

Welding Fabrication Technician

Median Income: $49,582.00*
 

POTENTIAL JOB TITLES

(Click a title for job description)

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.

 

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.

ADMISSION AND FIRST SEMESTER ENROLLMENT STEPS

Work with Admissions Advisor to:

  • Submit Application
  • Complete the Student Success Questionnaire.
  • Schedule your First Time Program Counseling/Registration Session with your assigned program counselor to plan your first semester schedule, review your entire plan of study and discuss the results of the Student Success Questionnaire.

*Submit transcripts and test scores (optional, highly recommended): College transcripts, along with high school transcripts and test scores from within the last five years, used for course registration. Official transcripts needed for transferring college credit(s) and for financial aid purposes.

Program Cost

  • Tuition Cost: $12,110.38
  • Book Cost: $250.00
  • Supply Cost: $270.00
  • Program Total: $12,630.38

Want more information?

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

Faculty Bios

Instructor Bios Lamp

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
Instructor Bios Globe

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
Instructor Bios Globe

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
Instructor Bios Books

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