RATE Students who are employed within 6 months of graduation
Welding Technology
The Welding program at Lake Area Tech is built around hands-on training in a full-scale welding facility designed for real work. You’ll spend your time in individual booths learning how heat, metal, and technique come together to create strong, reliable welds.
Training covers a wide range of processes, including pipe welding, oxy-acetylene welding and safety, air carbon arc cutting, SMAW and GMAW welding, aluminum TIG, and push/pull welding. You’ll also gain experience with automated and robotic welding equipment, along with supporting skills like blueprint reading, shop math, and basic electricity.
In addition to welding, students train in metal fabrication—working with equipment for rolling, bending, cutting, and shaping steel, pipe, and structural materials. You’ll use tools such as band saws, shears, CNC plasma cutters, and more to complete real projects, including a capstone build.
Students can complete a diploma in nine months or continue into an Associate of Applied Science degree, with options to expand into areas like Precision Machining or Marketing & Management.
Graduates are prepared to take the American Welding Society certification test and enter a field with strong demand across industries—from fabrication and repair to pipeline work, inspection, and advanced manufacturing.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Welding Technology Program Learning Outcomes
- Adhere to established attendance requirements
- Demonstrate operation of welding and safety equipment
- Apply the different types of welding processes
- Demonstrate 5 basic weld joints in all positions
- Interpret a blueprint
Articulation agreements:
Welding Technology Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Welding Technology degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Welding Technology sector.
Manufacturing Welder
Manufacturing Welder
Graduates of the Welding Technology program can pursue careers as Manufacturing Welders, helping build the products, equipment, and structures used in industries around the world. In this role, you'll use a variety of welding processes to join metal components while following detailed specifications and quality standards. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy hands-on work, precision, and seeing tangible results from their efforts.
Where you might work:
• Manufacturing facilities
• Agricultural equipment manufacturers
• Industrial equipment companies
• Transportation equipment manufacturers
• Production fabrication shops
Pipe Welder
As a Pipe Welder, you'll specialize in welding stainless and carbon steel piping systems used to transport liquids, gases, and other materials. Graduates can expect to work on projects that require a high degree of precision and technical skill while ensuring welds meet strict safety and performance standards. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy challenging projects and specialized welding applications.
Where you might work:
• Energy and utility companies
• Pipeline construction firms
• Industrial processing facilities
• Power generation plants
• Mechanical contracting companies
Fabrication Welder
Fabrication Welders create custom metal structures, components, and assemblies from raw materials. In this role, you'll read blueprints, measure materials, cut components, and perform welding operations to produce finished products. This career combines craftsmanship, technical skills, and creativity while offering opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects.
Where you might work:
• Metal fabrication shops
• Manufacturing facilities
• Construction contractors
• Agricultural equipment companies
• Structural steel fabricators
Repair Welder
As a Repair Welder, you'll restore worn, damaged, or broken equipment and components back to working condition. Graduates can expect to troubleshoot issues, perform specialized welding repairs, and help extend the life of valuable machinery and equipment. This role is well suited for individuals who enjoy problem-solving and working with a variety of materials and equipment.
Where you might work:
• Equipment repair facilities
• Agricultural operations
• Mining and aggregate companies
• Construction equipment service providers
• Industrial maintenance departments
On-The-Road / Field Welder
Field Welders provide welding services directly at customer locations, construction sites, and industrial facilities. In this role, you'll travel to job sites, perform repairs, install components, and support projects that require welding expertise outside of a traditional shop environment. This career offers variety, independence, and the opportunity to work on projects that change from day to day.
Where you might work:
• Construction sites
• Pipeline projects
• Industrial facilities
• Agricultural operations
• Mobile welding service companies
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"Reading the stories of incoming students and knowing the places they can go in just a few short years is exciting. Their possibilities are endless with the help of Lake Area Tech’s instructors and leaders."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,582 |
| State Fees | $3,218 |
| Departmental Fee | $3,508 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,216 |
| Tools | $2,325 |
| Books | $500 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $22,539 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Welding Technology FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What skills will I learn in a college welding program?
Students in Lake Area Technical College’s welding program develop industry-relevant skills in welding, metal fabrication, and cutting processes. The program focuses on hands-on training that prepares students to meet real-world manufacturing and construction needs.
Will I gain skills beyond welding, like blueprint reading, shop math, or fabrication work?
Yes. In addition to welding techniques, students learn blueprint reading, shop math, layout, and fabrication skills. These competencies are essential for working in fabrication shops, manufacturing facilities, and construction environments.
What kinds of welding techniques are taught (e.g. TIG, MIG, pipe welding)?
The program teaches multiple welding processes used in industry, including:
- GTAW (TIG welding)
- SMAW (Stick welding)
- GMAW (MIG welding)
- FCAW (Flux-Cored welding)
Students gain experience with each process, building a versatile skill set that employers value.
How long does it take to complete a welding diploma or associate degree?
Lake Area Tech offers two options:
- A 9-month welding diploma for quick entry into the workforce
- A two-year Associate of Applied Science degree for students seeking advanced training and expanded career options
Does this welding program prepare me for certification tests like AWS?
Yes. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for multiple American Welding Society (AWS) certification tests. Students build the skills, techniques, and confidence needed to successfully pass industry-recognized welding certifications.
Are there job placement or career services after graduation from welding tech program?
Yes. Graduates have access to Lake Area Tech’s career services and employer connections. The program maintains strong relationships with regional and national employers who regularly seek skilled welders.
Can I start working as a welder right after finishing this program?
Yes. Many graduates begin working immediately after completing the program, and some students secure part-time welding jobs while still enrolled. High employer demand makes it possible to transition quickly into the workforce.
Does the school offer hands-on training with real welding equipment and metal fabrication tools?
Yes. All training is live, hands-on, and completed using professional-grade welding equipment and metal fabrication tools in a shop environment that mirrors industry settings.
Is there an option for a fast-track diploma or shorter welding certificate for quick entry into the workforce?
Yes. The 9-month diploma option allows students to enter the workforce quickly. Additionally, high school students can take dual credit welding courses, reducing overall college costs and time to completion.
What kinds of welding jobs can I get after graduating?
Graduates qualify for a wide range of welding careers. These roles are available across manufacturing, construction, energy, and industrial sectors.
Welding Technology Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
