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Portage Lakes Career Center

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330.896.8200

Welding Technology

Welders – especially those with a wide range of skills – are needed in both commercial and industrial businesses.

Spark your future with skills that are built to last.

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If you enjoy working with your hands, creating something from nothing, and seeing your hard work come to life, Welding could be the perfect fit. This hands-on program teaches the skills needed to join one of the most in-demand trades, preparing you for a rewarding career in manufacturing, construction, fabrication, and skilled trades.

Spend your time in the weld shop mastering stick, MIG, and TIG welding while learning the techniques used by professional welders every day. You'll also gain experience programming and operating a CNC plasma cutter to create precision designs and custom projects.

From classroom projects to creative fabrication challenges, you'll have countless opportunities to put your skills to the test while building confidence and craftsmanship. Whether you plan to enter the workforce after graduation, continue your education, or pursue an apprenticeship, you'll graduate with the experience and technical skills employers are looking for.

Course Work

Industry Recognized Credentials

Career Outlook

Other Program Details

Course Work

  • Gas Metal Arc Welding
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding
  • Manufacturing Capstone

Industry Recognized Credentials

  • American Welding Society (AWS) - Welding Qualification
  • OSHA 30-Hour Training
  • Forklift
  • Aerial Work Platform
  • Manlift Operation
  • OSHA 10
  • Bleeding Control Basic
  • CPR Certification

Career Outlook

  • Fabrication Welder
  • Construction Welder
  • Repair Welder
  • Blueprint Welder
  • Machine Welder
  • Underwater Welder

Student Spotlight

Real students. Real experiences. Real success. Learn how PLCC students gained hands-on skills, industry experience, and a head start on their future careers.

Alexander McClellan

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Chase Thompson

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Other Program Details

ENROLLMENT

PLCC Welding is a full time program for high school juniors and seniors. Students will have the opportunity to visit and apply during the sophomore year.  Class size is limited to 20 students.

SCOPE, SEQUENCE, & CURRICULUM

The Scope, Sequence, and Curriculum document is updated annually with input and ultimate approval from the program’s Advisory Committee of industry professionals. This document contains detailed information about all that the program has to offer its students including the program goals, program alignment with state curriculum standards, a detailed description of each course taught within the program, program grading scale, industry credentials, and college credit opportunities specific to the program, and the program teacher’s own notes and input.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Skills USA

PROGRAM FEES

$400 / year

COLLEGE CREDIT POTENTIAL

All programs at PLCC have the potential for either direct articulated credits at select colleges and/or universities or are able to acquire college credits through career technical assurance guides (CTAGs) in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

ON THE JOB TRAINING

During the senior year, students who have met the requirements and have received a recommendation by their program instructor, have the opportunity to go on School-to-Work Job Placement. We work with our students and local employers to place them in a job that is related to their program of study, giving them real-life experience while simultaneously earning school credit.

Instructor

Michael Mariana

330.896.8280
mmariana@plcc.edu

Related Programs

MANUFACTURING

Automation & Electronics

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING

Engineering Technology
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Schedule a Tour

We take pride in our facility and welcome the opportunity to show it off!  You would never buy a car without looking at it first.  Choosing the place to give you a head start on a successful path in life should be no different.  We invite you to schedule a tour of our beautiful campus.  We’re pretty sure you’ll be impressed!

If you are a high school student, please note that you will have several opportunities to visit PLCC during your sophomore year.

Once we receive your request, a PLCC staff member will follow up directly. Thank you for your interest, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Portage Lakes Career Center is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. Visitors should contact the Main Office at 330-896-8200 prior to arrival for parking instructions and other information.


Alexander McClellan

Class of 2023 | Welding | Green High School

Alexander McClellan is a great example of how the skills learned through Career Technical Education can lead directly to a successful career in the skilled trades.

After graduating from Portage Lakes Career Center in 2023, Alexander began his career as an Ironworker Apprentice with Iron Workers Local 550, where he puts his welding knowledge and hands-on training to work every day on challenging projects.

Looking back, Alexander credits PLCC with providing the confidence and technical skills he needed to enter the workforce.

“PLCC helped me with welding so that I know what I am doing in the field.”

The hands-on experience he gained in the Welding program prepared him to transition from the classroom to the job site and continue building his skills through his apprenticeship.

When asked what advice he would give current and future PLCC students, Alexander keeps it simple:

“Work hard while you are young, don’t wait, just go for it.”

His story is a reminder that success starts with taking advantage of opportunities, putting in the effort, and developing skills that employers value.

Today, Alexander is building a rewarding career in the skilled trades, proving that Career Technical Education provides more than classroom instruction, it builds confidence, creates opportunities, and prepares students for meaningful careers.

Chase Thompson

Class of 2026 | Welding | Springfield High School

Chase Thompson has earned a reputation as one of the top students in PLCC’s Welding program through his strong work ethic, leadership, and willingness to help others succeed.

Every day, Chase leads by example. Whether he’s assisting classmates in the welding lab or lending a hand to students from other programs, he’s always willing to share his knowledge and step up when needed.

His instructor describes Chase as someone who is ready to tackle any challenge.

“Chase will weld and fix anything put in front of him. He’s motivated every day and always willing to take on the next project.”

As a senior, Chase has embraced a leadership role in the welding lab, serving as the shop foreman. From making sure the equipment is ready at the beginning of the day to helping close down the lab at the end, he takes pride in creating a safe, organized, and productive learning environment for everyone.

Beyond his technical skills, Chase continues to grow as a leader and professional.

“He improves every day in the lab and in his soft skills as well. When asked to do something, he gets it done—and he does it right.”

His positive attitude, reliability, and commitment to excellence have made him a role model for younger students and a true ambassador for the Welding program.

Through hard work, leadership, and a passion for his craft, Chase represents the very best of Career Technical Education.

January 27, 2026

All Day & Evening Classes Are Canceled Due To Weather Conditions.