Welding Technology

Published program cost. The program page lists the cost at Ridge as FL Resident: $6,092; Non-Resident: $17,884. Of the Florida-resident figure, tuition at $2.92 per clock hour is $3,066; the rest covers program costs such as lab fees, books, uniforms, certification and licensure, student organization and background or medical requirements, which vary by program.

Tuition and residency. The Polk County School Board, within the guidelines set forth by the Florida Legislature, approves tuition fee schedules for Ridge & Traviss Technical Colleges. For Florida residents, tuition fees for a workforce Education Certificate Program are assessed at a rate of $2.92 per hour. Non-Florida residents are assessed a rate of $14.15 per hour. A student must live in the state of Florida for twelve (12) months before establishment of Florida Residency.

Additional costs. Additional costs include purchase of all required texts, uniforms, shoes, and license or certification fees, where appropriate, and certain personal materials, tools and equipment as determined by the area of training. A criminal background check and drug screening is required on some programs. All students are given the basic student accident insurance through a carrier approved by the Polk County School Board.

Application fee. Students pay a $30 non-refundable application fee.

Financial aid. Financial aid is available for all students who qualify and enroll in an approved technical college education training program. The financial aid offered at the college consists of Title IV Federal Pell Grant, Florida Student Assistance Grant, Florida Work Experience Program, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, Student Financial Aid Fund, private scholarships, and assistance. Nearly 90% of our students qualify for some form of financial aid. Ridge Technical College’s Federal School Code is 015780.

Open Door Grant. The Open Door Grant is available at Ridge and Traviss Technical College for short-term and technical education credentialing courses: the student is responsible for the first one-third of the tuition at the time of enrollment, and the Open Door Scholarship Program pays the remaining two-thirds if the student successfully completes the course and provides the results of their industry certification.

Money Back Guarantee Program. This program is part of the Money Back Guarantee Program. Students are only eligible for a refund for out-of-pocket expenses, and must meet all of its requirements: attendance of 90% or more of scheduled hours, a B+ or higher on all coursework, attendance at the yearly career fair, documented job search, and a career plan with the institution’s career services department.

Refunds. If a class is canceled, a student’s enrollment is denied, or a student withdraws on or prior to the first class, tuition is refunded 100% and all fees except the application fee. If a student withdraws after the first-class meeting, tuition is refunded 75% and fees are not refunded. No refunds will be provided after the fifth (5th) class meeting.

Career outlook. This program prepares students for employment as welders in the fabrication and repair industry as well as the construction industry.

Wages. This occupation has an average wage of $23.33 an hour, based on the Florida Occupational Employment and Wages for Polk County.

Licensure and certification. After successfully completing this program, students are eligible to test for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification.

Credential. Certificates of Completion are awarded after completing 100% of the total standard hours of a career education program; an Occupational Completion Point (OCP) Accomplishment Award marks an exit point prior to program completion.

Director’s welcome. For nearly five decades, we’ve empowered our community through more than 20 cutting-edge technical programs, strong corporate and industry partnerships, and unique continuing-education opportunities. Each of our programs is built on state-aligned frameworks and industry standards, ensuring that graduates leave fully equipped to earn professional certifications or licenses that employers value.

Instructors. Behind every course stands a team of certified instructors who are not only specialists in their fields but also bring years of real-world experience and deep connections with local businesses.

Mission and vision. Ridge Technical College will assess, prepare, and place individuals in successful and rewarding careers in an increasingly competitive and changing employment market. Ridge Technical College will be Polk County’s premier workforce training institution.

Your own pace. Programs are designed to accommodate your needs by allowing entrance at various times, working at your own pace, and exiting when training and specific job skills are completed. Counseling, career assessment and job placement are also provided.

Career counseling and job placement. The counselors, instructors, social workers, and staff in the Student Services Department are available to assist you with program information and career counseling. Ridge offers job placement assistance to both high school and adult students. Assistance is also offered through CareerSource Polk, Occupational Advisory Committees and the School Advisory Council.

Student organizations. To enrich your career education training program, you are encouraged to join the appropriate student organization which applies to your program area: the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) and SkillsUSA.