Accelerated Welding Program at Nicolet College offers quick path to rewarding career
Anyone interested in a welding career can now earn a college credential in less than seven months through Nicolet College’s Accelerated Welding Technical Diploma program.
Classes will run during the Summer and Fall semesters, June 2 to Dec. 19.
“The accelerated format is a great way for students to quickly get the skills they need to start careers in this high-demand field,” said Brigitte Kumbier, dean of Trade and Industry at Nicolet. “The courses provide extensive hands-on training and many students actually start working part-time after the first semester and then advance their skills during the second semester.”
Classes will run Monday through Friday during the Summer Semester and Monday through Thursday during the Fall Semester.
Along with highly skilled instructors, the college also has tutors right in the classrooms to help when students have difficulty with any subject matter. And when it comes time to start their careers, Nicolet’s job placement specialists work closely with area employers to create a smooth pathway for students to enter the workforce, Kumbier said.
Wages in the Northwoods start at around $12 to $14 for entry-level welders and can quickly climb to well above $20 an hour with experience and advanced skills.
Demand for skilled welders is also high, with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development forecasting nearly 10 percent job growth between 2010 and 2020 in north central Wisconsin.
Kumbier noted that Nicolet tuition is significantly less than that at private schools and Nicolet students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid. The Nicolet College Foundation also has scholarships earmarked specifically for Welding students.
Skills taught include oxyacetylene, stick, TIG, MIG, submerged arc, flux core and resistance welding and metal cutting skills that include plasma, arc-air, and photo-electric eye cutting.
In addition, students will experience robotic welding, computerized cutting, and safe overhead crane operation. Blueprint reading, layout and fabrication techniques and math and communication skills will also be covered.
Upon graduating, students will be prepared to take the state exams to become registered welders in the state of Wisconsin.
For more information, visit nicoletcollege.edu or call the Nicolet College Welcome Center at 715-365-4493, 800-544-3039, ext. 4493; TTY 711 or 800-947-3529.
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