Welding and Fabrication Technology


Master the process. Embrace the results.

Work with your hands and acquire versatile welding and metal fabrication techniques. From hand-written or digital sketches, drawings or blueprints comes masterfully manufactured steel.

When you fuse this material, you're not just creating a product. You're fabricating the beams that become the girders that transport birthday gifts. Your skill makes it possible to construct the trusses that allow a family to return home after a hurricane.

Explore the stackable credentials in welding and fabrication offered at CLC. Master as many techniques as you'd like. You learn to blend time-honored skills of the trade with modern technologies. Create an indispensable career doing work you love.

Why study Welding & Fabrication Technology with us?

Your instructors are expert-level welders and fabricators who bring real-world skills and techniques to the classroom/lab. Get personalized guidance in small class sizes (15 students max.).

You can earn a certificate, a pathway to a career or earn your associate degree and transfer to a 4-year school. Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials — certificates in the program 'stack' to build up your skills for better job opportunities.

Work with our Academic Success Advisors to plan your transfer to a 4-year institution such as Southern Illinois University. Or stay nearby to earn your Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management & Applied Engineering through University Center of Lake County (UCLC). We can recommend schools that fit your future goals.

See what students love about the welding and fabrication technology program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

Highlights

  • Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

    State-of-the-art facilities to build career-ready skills
  • Stackable Credentials

    Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Receive college credit for what you already know.
  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
  • Career Certificate

    Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.



Career Degrees & Certificates

For students who want to start or shift to a new career or advance in their current career.

You can earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at CLC in 2 years*. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and earn work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses you’ll take earn college credit, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university toward a bachelor’s degree.

*Assumes full-time enrollment.

For students who want to earn job skills for entry level occupations, or level up in their career.

Certificates are designed to be completed in less than 2 years. Many certificate programs contain Career Degree core courses so you can continue with additional study or stack certificates to earn an A.A.S. degree.

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with resources.

Talk to a CCN

Welding Fabrication Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$4,710*

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Courses in the program

Start with a foundation in core welding courses. Then, move into the techniques and processes of expert applications.

Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.



  • Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

    Kyle Thorne

    Graduate

    "While I love the space and equipment, it was the instructors that kept me at CLC. They helped make sure I learned the right way, and I had fun doing it."


    Kyle took welding and fabrication classes at the CLC Grayslake campus and Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee. He then started his own mobile welding business. Kyle is one of many CLC graduates bringing their skills to the world of manufacturing.

    Read Kyle's story

    Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

Take the next step...


Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Explore careers

Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

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Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

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