Kishwaukee College unveiled its newly renovated welding lab during an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the College.
The College relocated its welding lab to the B-Wing, closer to the Caukin Building and other Career and Technical Education (CTE) program facilities. The new welding lab provides more space, a dedicated classroom, and an improved power supply. The space also allows room for expansion as the demands of the program change to support the local workforce.
“Community colleges are about meeting local needs, and our welding lab is an example of how Kishwaukee College evolves. When the community’s needs change, we change,” said Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College.
Kish’s Fall 2023 welding enrollment is up 20.2% compared to the previous year, following the College’s overall trend of increased enrollment.
“We provide a lot of hands-on training for careers, with welding being one of our growing programs. This lab is nearly four times bigger than the old lab, and there is room to grow,” said Bob Johnson, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Johnson and Dr. Borowicz gave remarks during the ceremony, along with Chase Budziak, Dean; Jerry Smith, Enbridge Inc. Community Ambassador; and Donovan James, Kishwaukee College welding student. James provided student input on the College’s investment in welding and CTE programs.
“I’m thankful the College believes in the welding program and provides this support,” James said. “Kish makes sure we have enough to do what we need to do and learn what we need to learn.”
To learn more about Welding Technology or additional CTE programs at Kish, visit www.kish.edu/welding or www.kish.edu/cte.