Welding and Fabrication Technology - Program Overview


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.


*Note: This workforce development initiative and workforce product is supported by the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). A total of $178,000, or 100% of the cost of the Community Projects Advanced Technologies Scholarship is financed with federal funds. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL/ETA. DOL/ETA makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

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) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

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*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.

Department chair


Faculty




What students say about CLC


  • 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.

    Read Kyle's story

    Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

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

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