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September 2, 2025 – 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. About Polk State College Located in Polk County, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 14,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, as well as 9,000 individuals in a wide range of certificate and workforce training programs. The College also operates three charter high schools. Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics.
September 2, 2025 – 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.
About Polk State College
Located in Polk County, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 14,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, as well as 9,000 individuals in a wide range of certificate and workforce training programs. The College also operates three charter high schools. Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics.