MCC to offer welding certificate programs starting in January

McHenry County College will begin offering two new welding certificate programs next year.

The college has offered noncredit "Boot Camp" welding and advanced welding classes through its Continuing Education Department for 10 years.

Officials decided to expand current offerings to meet local employers' needs for more highly-skilled welders.

"Welding is a foundational manufacturing skill," said Terri Berryman, MCC associate vice president of career education. "We're hearing from area employers that they need welders with more in-depth welding skills sets. While they might not hire welders, they need workers who can perform the skills of a welder to repair or perform maintenance on a machine."

The certificate classes begin in January. Students can earn 18 credits with each program at a cost of about $1,926.

Students will receive more in-depth and hands-on training of MIG (arc welding process), TIG (gas tungsten arc welding) and stick welding, and a method called spray transfer. They will learn foundational skills in welding fabrication processes with the introductory basic certificate, and to specialize their craft with the advanced certificate.

"The college is very excited to offer these two new certificates to our existing manufacturing and industrial maintenance-focused curriculum," said Bob Mihelich, MCC chairman and instructor of applied technology. "We are also looking into integrating the curriculum into our existing coursework, which offers even more in-demand skills for our students."

For more information on MCC's welding certificate programs, contact the MCC Fast Track Office at (815) 479-7831.