RIDGEFIELD — Thanks to a partnership with Lower Columbia College, Ridgefield High School students interested in welding can simultaneously earn both high school and college credits. The Career, College and Technical Education, CCTE, dual credit welding program is designed to guide students into high-skill, high-wage careers with local industries, all without having to leave the high school campus or complete additional coursework.
“CCTE classes help prepare students for life beyond high school,” said Tiffany Gould, Ridgefield School District’s director of CCTE. “Regardless of whether they’re planning to continue their education at a college or technical school, or to enter the workforce right out of high school, these classes provide Ridgefield students with the skills required to be successful.”
Dual credit applies to CCTE courses, which then transfer to college programs. Once students finish high school, they can apply their credits to one of Lower Columbia College’s professional-technical programs. Credits earned at LCC can be transferred to any two-year institution or community college in Washington, as well as some four-year colleges.
Students interested in pursuing the welding dual credit program should talk to their high school counselor to learn about eligibility and necessary steps, enroll in welding classes at your high school and apply to LCC as well as earn a ‘B’ or better grade in the welding course sequence.
