Polk State opens preferred registration list for future Welding Program

Polk State College is offering a preferred registration list due to the overwhelming interest in its future Welding Program. Individuals who are interested in receiving 72 hours of advanced notice before the official launch of program registration can email trainingsolutions@polk.edu.

The program, supported by a $2.8 million Florida Job Growth Grant awarded by FloridaCommerce, does not have official registration or start dates yet, but is expected to launch some time in 2026.

Polk State’s Welding Program will be housed at its Advanced Technology Center in Bartow, where participants will complete hands-on training with professional instruction and cutting-edge technology.

This will prepare them for certifications in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-10, as well as in-demand, high-wage careers.

Welding training and experience can be used in a variety of fields including agriculture, construction, manufacturing, transportation, logistics and utilities and energy.

This program will build on Polk State’s successful Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machining Program, which will also expand with the Florida Job Growth Grant. Over the three-year grant period, it is anticipated that 300 students will receive CNC or welding education, with the goal of an 85% student completion rate by June 2028.