LCC offers welding classes, degrees

By Abby Cowels
Staff Writer

Welding is a bourgeoning career, and a lucrative one at that. LCC’s new Center for Manufacturing Excellence is offering comprehensive classes in welding for students to combine industry and creativity.

According to Welding Lead Faculty Scott Poe and the Welding Tech page on LCC’s website, there are three program options: a Certificate of Completion, lasting two semesters; a Certificate of Achievement, running for three semesters; or an Associates of Applied Science that takes four semesters.   

“Students in the Welding Technology Program learn several different welding processes, including oxy-fuel welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding,” Poe said.  

Credentials give professionals legitimacy in their career. In LCC’s welding classes, students have the opportunity to expand their welding credentials by gaining certificates throughout the program.

“Students will have the chance to earn up to nine different NC3 industry certifications in four different welding processes along the way,” Poe said.

Gaining additional certifications is not the only opportunity to look forward to. There are local art shows and competitive events in which welding students may participate.

“We bring a team of students that compete in Lansing’s Annual Scrap Fest, which takes place at the end of each spring semester,” Poe said. 

LCC staff strives to make every student a success. That is why Poe mentioned that LCC has partnered with local trade unions to accelerate new graduates through a post-grad apprenticeship.

“A big majority of welding students get jobs before they complete the program,” Poe said. “We have an abundance of employers that come to LCC to recruit students, so students that want jobs are getting jobs.”

If a potential welding student is feeling like this is their right path, they can submit this form. And for more information on Lansing’s Scrap Fest, click here.