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It’s all trades here.

Imagine — in just eight weeks to a year, you could have the skills you need for the job you want. In addition to our transfer track programs, we offer stackable certificates, which means you can easily build toward a higher-level certificate, degree, or another credential.

Benefits

Everything you need to start, change, or advance your career is right here. Plus, you have the extra advantage of attending Highland Community College, which has served thousands of students in the community just like you with quality education programs over the past 60 years.

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Whatever your interest – agriculture, cosmetology, criminal justice, early childhood education, manufacturing, IT, nursing, truck driving, and more — it all starts at HCC!

Hear from Highland Cougars

“Jobs in the skilled trades are an in-demand career choice, and qualified professionals stand out to employers. Completing a low-cost program at Highland will help you not only open those doors to opportunity but boost your earning potential over a lifetime.” — Todd Vacek, Welding Instructor, Highland Community College

Getting an education and learning a skill or trade is what will define your future. As a 33-year employee at the Byron nuclear plant, I have seen how learning can be equally important as on-the-job training and experience in leading to a well-compensated career. I enjoyed the introduction to ARC Welding at Highland so much that I went back for the second semester and will be attending the third semester this fall.” — Tracey Hulbert, student, Highland Community College

“I think participating in the welding program was a good choice for me because it allowed me to get a feel for what I would actually be doing in the field by learning new welding and computer-aided design processes. This was a really cool thing to experience because I was able to make blueprint sheets for different manufacturing parts that are actually used in the field. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in the welding or CAD field, or if you’re just interested in learning about these careers. The classes are really fun, very informational, and you’ll have amazing and helpful instructors.” — Emma Gustafson, student, Highland Community College