Welding Specialist
Certificate
This program develops entry-level welders for industry with additional skills as well as enrichment in related areas such as drafting, machine trades, industrial safety, and mathematics.
32
welding booths in the ICC welding lab and a large variety of equipment that future welders use on the job.
The ICC welding program allows for students to earn credentials as they move through the curriculum, providing opportunities to seek employment while in school. Small class sizes are conducive to one-on-one, personalized instruction.
Admissions Office
The average job placement rate for graduates of the program is 90%.
Join the student chapter of the American Welding Society for professional development and scholarship opportunities.
Production Welder, Maintenance Welder, Certified Welder, Certified Welder Inspector
COMPLETION TIME
12 Months
if Full Time
2 Semesters29 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$4,640
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
15 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
We have built strong relationships with local industry for improved employability of our students.
Curt Rippey, Assistant Professor, Welding Technology Co-Program Coordinator
How Do I Get Into the Welding Specialist Program?
Welding is an in-demand skill that can be used in a variety of industries from agriculture to automotive body repair to manufacturing. Connect with an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- High school welding, shop, and automotive classes can be beneficial.
- Courses in blueprint reading, mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, and chemistry can also be helpful.
What Can I Expect As a Welding Specialist Student?
- Learn welding skills that can be applied in a variety of industries.
- Students can apply credits earned toward the Welding Technology Associate in Applied Science degree.
- Trained welders can earn industry certifications that will lead to better job security and higher pay.
- Local employers hiring ICC graduates include Parker Fabrication, Rohn Manufacturing, Morton Industries, Bradley Services Inc. (BSI), BTD in Washington, Premier, Parsons, and Morton Buildings.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
-
What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
-
What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.