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Board approves standalone stainless-steel welding technical diploma for fall 2027
Summary
The board authorized Midstate to submit documentation to the Wisconsin Technical College System to create a six-credit gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) technical diploma focused on stainless-steel competencies, effective fall 2027; administrators said no significant additional cost is anticipated and employer demand motivated the change.
The Midstate Technical College District Board approved a request to submit a new standalone gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) technical diploma focused on stainless-steel welding to the Wisconsin Technical College System on June 15.
Dr. Chris explained the proposal: the six-credit stainless-steel diploma would be removed from its current embedded status in the 27-credit welding program so the college can teach industry-specific competencies more effectively and align the credential with employer certification needs. Administrators said the change preserves the six-credit structure, does not anticipate significant curriculum changes or added costs, and would allow eligibility for workforce-focused financial aid and clearer reporting of employment outcomes.
Board members moved and seconded the resolution to submit the documentation; the item passed on a roll-call vote. Dr. Chris told the board the program change is intended to respond to employer requests for stainless-specific certifications and to improve the college’s ability to report employment and wage outcomes for graduates.
Next steps: Midstate will submit the program documentation to the Wisconsin Technical College System for approval and, pending that approval, plans to make the diploma effective in fall 2027.
