The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Welding and Fabrication Technology is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the manufacturing, construction and energy industries as well as in the public sector. The range and depth of program courses prepare students to be job ready for employment in positions including: fabrication, welding, soldering, and brazing, as well as in sales, inspection, repair, supervision and management.
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The American Welding Society Certification of Qualification exam is embedded in Lakeland's advanced welding courses. Successful completion of these exams results in the issuance of a portable industry recognized credential. The Manufacturing Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, has designated Lakeland Community College as an "M Status" school as the Welding and Fabrication Technology program aligns with industry-recognized standards. Students successfully completing the AAS Degree in Welding and Fabrication Technology will be well positioned to advance their studies in a Bachelor of Science in Welding and Fabrication Technology program.
Equipment required on the first day of technical welding classes: long pants; welding helmet (shade #10 or above); safety glasses; work gloves; welding jacket; leather work boots, preferably steel toe; 8" crescent wrench; soapstone and holder; tape measure; combination square, chipping hammer, wire brush, tool bag, center punch, and 12oz ball peen hammer, and 4 1/2" grinder is optional.
Welding School FAQs
How long is welding school?
Many of our certificates can be earned in as little as one semester, preparing you for the workforce. Our certificates can be earned one at a time and stack into a full associate of applied science degree. Talk with our program director to explore your options.
How much does welding school cost?
Our certificates range from 2 credit hours up through 65 total credit hours to earn the associate of applied science degree. View our tuition schedule for up-to-date information on Lakelands tuition and fees.
What are salary expectations for qualified welders?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps current information on median pay and job outlook on their website. In 2021, BLS estimated the median pay for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers at $47,010 per year.
What will I need to learn to become a welder?
Lakeland's Welding and Fabrication Technology program is designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the manufacturing, construction and energy industries as well as in the public sector. The range and depth of program courses prepare students to be job ready for employment in positions including: fabrication, welding, soldering, and brazing, as well as in sales, inspection, repair, supervision and management.
What is the welding course curriculum?
We offer nine certificates and degrees in welding. Visit our course catalog for specific information on course curriculum for each class.
Lakeland has been a very enriching and welcoming experience, making way for a great transition from high school to college. My experience here has been incredible so far. The extra clubs and events Lakeland has to offer gives you the chance to experience a college life on a fabulous budget. My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of everything on campus: the events, the gym, the clubs, the food bank. Go ahead and get out of your comfort zone to try them out.
Autumn ReynoldsAssociate of Arts
My favorite thing about Lakeland is the perfect balance it offers between academic support and personal well-being. The quiet study areas are great for focused learning, and the gym helps me feel stay fit and energized. The supportive professors and mentors are always there to guide me. Plus, the wide variety of courses offered makes it great place to grown both academically and personally.
Mili JariwalaMedical Assisting and Associate of Science
