Gateway Technical College – Kenosha

Gateway Technical College – Kenosha, WI

Program Information

Gateway Technical College, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, offers technical education programs designed to prepare students for skilled trade careers across southeastern Wisconsin. Trade-focused areas of study include Welding, Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). As a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Gateway structures its programs to combine classroom instruction with extensive hands-on lab training that reflects industry standards and entry-level workforce expectations.

The Welding program at Gateway Technical College provides instruction in foundational and applied welding skills used in manufacturing, fabrication, and construction environments. Coursework includes welding safety, measurement, material preparation, and fabrication fundamentals. Students receive training in multiple welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, while learning how joint preparation, technique, and heat control affect weld quality and structural integrity. Blueprint reading and layout concepts are incorporated to help students understand how welding tasks align with project specifications.

The Automotive Technology program focuses on the diagnosis, service, and maintenance of modern vehicles. Students study core systems such as engines, brakes, steering and suspension, drivetrains, and electrical and electronic components. Instruction emphasizes the use of service information and diagnostic tools, along with structured troubleshooting procedures that support accurate repairs and safe work practices.

Gateway’s Diesel Technology program prepares students to work with diesel-powered engines and equipment commonly used in transportation, construction, and industrial applications. Training introduces engine systems, fuel and air delivery, cooling and lubrication, and drivetrain components. Emphasis is placed on maintenance practices, inspection procedures, and troubleshooting techniques that support reliability and safe operation.

The HVAC program introduces students to heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems used in residential and commercial buildings. Coursework covers system components, electrical fundamentals, airflow, controls, and basic refrigeration principles. Students practice installation, service, and troubleshooting procedures while learning how HVAC systems operate as integrated systems, with strong emphasis on safety and proper tool usage.

Hands-On Technical Training

Hands-on learning is a core component of technical education at Gateway Technical College. Students spend significant time in lab and shop environments where they apply classroom concepts using tools, equipment, and materials similar to those used in professional settings. Supervised practice reinforces technical accuracy, safety awareness, and familiarity with standard work procedures.

Apprenticeship & Workforce Alignment

Gateway Technical College plays a role in supporting Wisconsin’s registered apprenticeship system. Many trade programs are structured to provide the related technical instruction required for apprentices while they gain on-the-job experience with employers. This alignment allows students to integrate classroom learning with practical workplace training where applicable.

Learning Environment

Courses are typically organized to introduce technical concepts through instruction and demonstration before transitioning to guided lab application. Instructors bring field experience into the classroom, helping students understand how safety standards, accuracy, and productivity expectations apply in real-world work environments. This approach supports steady skill development throughout each program.

Program Length

Program length varies by credential and trade area. Technical diploma and certificate programs are often designed to be completed within approximately one year, while associate degree pathways may take closer to two years. Completion time may vary depending on course sequencing, enrollment status, and whether a student attends full-time or part-time.

Programs Offered

• Welding
• Automotive Technology
• Diesel Technology
• HVAC

Program Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Submission of an application for admission to Gateway Technical College
• Placement testing or exemption through ACT, SAT, Accuplacer scores, or prior college coursework
• Ability to meet physical and safety requirements associated with hands-on lab training
• Additional program-specific prerequisites may apply depending on the area of study

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