CLC welding student awarded national scholarship
A prestigious national scholarship was recently awarded to one of College of Lake County's career and technical education students. Welding certificate student and Glenview resident Henry Kingwill received $2,000 from the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation.
"This scholarship means everything to me," said Kingwill. "Without it, I couldn't afford to finish my program because I was recently furloughed due to COVID-19. It would be impossible to return to school without financial help."
AWS Foundation scholarships are often the extra push to help students fulfill their goals. It covers tuition, fees, books, supplies or equipment required for the course of instruction. According to AWS, by 2024, there will be a shortage of 400,000 skilled welders across America and 7,500 available welding jobs available in the greater Chicago area. CLC's welding program strives to fill the major shortage of skilled welders and fabricators in Lake County.
The welding program and other career and technical education programs at the college are at the forefront of discussion and future expansion. CLC is working towards a new facility to better meet the demands of the community industry in providing highly trained-skilled welders and fabricators. The college continues to evaluate, refine and build courses offered in order to better align with industry needs.
"The welding instructors at CLC are experts at their trade," said Kingwill. "Because 100 percent of the faculty are actively working in the industry, students get real-world experience in the classroom. Plus, class sizes are capped at 15, allowing for individual attention and a safe working environment."
CLC instructor and welding program chair Karsten Illg says, "While the pay is great, the real satisfaction is the self-pride generated from building things with your hands and contributing to the success and future of our community."
Kingwill is extremely grateful for his scholarship and plans to explore a career in the custom fabrication side of the welding industry after he graduates from CLC next year.
"Welding is sewing with fire," Kingwill says passionately about his craft. "Making custom welding pieces and build projects is my calling."
Other scholarships are also available for students interested in pursuing welding. Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation granted the college $100K to give to students who study one of nine programs, including welding. These Metallica Scholars receive full tuition scholarships and stipends to complete their program and help the local workforce. Learn more about this opportunity.