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Welding is back at Lincoln Trail College, and early momentum shows the program’s return is being met with enthusiasm from students, industry partners and the community.
January 8’s Welding Open House at the college drew strong attendance, giving prospective students an opportunity to tour the welding lab, meet instructors, learn about career pathways and receive help enrolling for Spring Semester classes. The event marked an important step in rebuilding the program after welding courses were paused during the fall semester.
“The response to the open house was incredibly encouraging,” said LTC President Tona Ambrose. “It showed us that there is real interest in welding and real excitement about what this program can be. Welding is an essential career field for our region, and we’re committed to offering strong, hands-on training for our students.”
Leading the relaunch of the program are LTC welding instructors Will Bookhout, Kenneth Pierson and Dennis York. They were joined at the open house by Maverick Fisher, a welding instructor from Olney Central College, highlighting an intentional partnership between the two colleges.
That collaboration between Lincoln Trail College and Olney Central College is a cornerstone of the welding program’s future. Faculty from both campuses are working together to align curriculum, share instructional strategies and ensure students receive consistent, high-quality training that meets industry standards.
“Welding is a highly technical field, and it’s important that our programs are aligned and responsive to workforce needs,” Ambrose said. “By working together across campuses, our instructors can share expertise and make sure students at both locations are learning the skills employers expect.”
The partnership allows instructors to collaborate on best practices, safety standards and emerging techniques, helping both programs remain current in a rapidly evolving industry. It also strengthens the overall welding pathway within Illinois Eastern Community Colleges by creating a more unified approach to instruction and student outcomes.
“This collaboration benefits everyone involved,” Ambrose said. “It strengthens our programs, supports our instructors and, most importantly, helps our students graduate better prepared for the workforce.”
The cooperative approach also supports students who may take classes or interact with instructors across campuses. By aligning expectations and instruction, LTC and OCC are working to ensure a seamless experience for welding students throughout the district.
The return of welding at LTC also aligns with the college’s long-term vision for career and technical education. Plans for the new Career and Technical Training Center underscore the institution’s commitment to modern, workforce-focused programs. The facility will support updated equipment and training environments designed to mirror real-world job settings.
“The Career and Technical Training Center represents our investment in the future,” Ambrose said. “We’re not just bringing welding back, we’re building it the right way. This facility will allow us to train students using industry-relevant equipment in spaces designed specifically for technical education.”
For students, welding offers a direct pathway to high-demand careers in manufacturing, construction and skilled trades. During the open house, attendees learned about job opportunities, wages and the role welding plays in regional industries, while also seeing firsthand the hands-on nature of the training.
“Our goal is to prepare students to walk into the workforce with confidence,” Ambrose said. “Welding is a skill that opens doors, and we want our students to graduate ready to succeed on day one.”
With renewed interest, collaborative instruction and a forward-looking investment in facilities, Lincoln Trail College is positioning its welding program for long-term success. College officials say the strong turnout at the open house is just the beginning.
“This is an exciting time for welding at LTC,” Ambrose said. “We’re building momentum, rebuilding trust in the program and creating opportunities that will benefit students and our community for years to come.”
