College of Lake County

What this program covers

College of Lake County's Welding and Fabrication Technology program covers gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), shielded metal arc welding (stick), metalworking and metallurgy, and metal fabrication using blueprints and digital designs, plus CNC plasma cutting and laser welding operations. Seven stackable credentials are offered: General Welding Certificate (9 credits), Welding Fabrication Certificate (19 credits), Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate (23 credits), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate (23 credits), Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate (23 credits), Advanced Welding Fabrication Certificate (45 credits), and an Associate in Applied Science degree (61 credits). Certificates take less than two years to complete; the AAS takes two years full-time. Training occurs at the Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee (28,000 square feet), which includes four welding robots for TIG and MIG processes, laser and plasma CNC cutters, CNC press brakes, lathes, mills, drill presses, and saws; class sizes are capped at 15 students. Estimated 2026-2027 tuition ranges from $1,602 to $10,858 before financial aid.

• Processes taught GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), SMAW (stick), CNC plasma cutting, laser welding
• Credential types General Welding Certificate (9 cr); Welding Fabrication Certificate (19 cr); GMAW Certificate (23 cr); GTAW Certificate (23 cr); SMAW Certificate (23 cr); Advanced Welding Fabrication Certificate (45 cr); AAS degree (61 cr)
• Program length Certificates: less than two years; AAS: two years full-time
• Facilities Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee (28,000 sq ft) with four welding robots for TIG/MIG, laser and plasma CNC cutters, CNC press brakes, lathes, mills, drill presses, saws; class size capped at 15 students
• Financial aid Estimated 2026-2027 tuition $1,602-$10,858 before financial aid

Source: https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/egrdv/welding-and-fabrication-technology, retrieved 2026-08-05