For over 50 years, Lake Technical College has prepared individuals in Lake and Sumter counties for rewarding careers. With hundreds of manufacturing jobs across the two counties, qualified Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Production Specialists and certified welders are in high demand. Lake Tech provides training for these careers in the new, state-of-the-art Center for Advanced Manufacturing which opened in 2018.
The CNC Production Specialist program is only 600 hours long and can be completed in one semester. Students prepare for the industry through practical experiences on full size CNC machines to include both lathes and mills. On a daily basis, students increase their understanding of shop math, and GD&T for turning and milling. They also practice presetting tools, programming zero points, working cycles, and more through interactive software and hands-on projects. All of these activities combined prepare students for the NIMS industry certification. Over the past two years, Lake Tech students have received scholarships, tools, and more equipment through the Gene Haas grant. Students have also had the honor of working alongside NASA to create parts that go to the International Space Station. With local starting salaries at $30,000 or higher, and opportunities to move up quickly, this program is a fast and convenient way to get started in a rewarding CNC career.
In the 1050 hour Welding Technology program, students receive daily hands-on experience as they learn various welding techniques. The program is available in both day and evening classes and the instructors of the class have over 85 years of combined industry experience. Through instructor lead demonstrations, individual practice, and group projects, students gain valuable knowledge and skills in Tungsten inert gas (TIG), metal inert gas (MIG), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), pipe welding, and much more. Students prepare for American Welding Society (AWS) certification exams throughout the program. In less than a year, students are prepared for this rewarding career in which the local industry starting salaries range from $35,000-$80,000.
Lake Technical College has over 30 career and technical programs, such as Automotive Collision Technology Technician, Veterinary Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Accounting Operations, and Medical Assisting. For more information on all available programs, please visit www.laketech.org.
