Lake Area Technical College

About

Lake Area Technical College in Watertown was named the top two-year college in the nation by the Aspen Institute in 2017 and continues to rank among the best technical colleges in the country. LATC's Precision Machining program trains students on advanced CNC equipment for careers in South Dakota's growing manufacturing sector, including firearms manufacturing (Strum Ruger), agricultural equipment, and precision components. The Welding Technology program offers comprehensive certification preparation and includes robotic welding instruction. The Electrical Construction and Maintenance program covers residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work with NEC code compliance and renewable energy installation. LATC's Energy Technology program specifically addresses the wind energy industry — South Dakota ranks among the top five states for wind energy production. Programs include HVAC, Plumbing, and Ag/Industrial Equipment Technology. LATC consistently reports 99% job placement rates with starting salaries significantly above the national median for community college graduates. The Build Dakota Scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and expenses for students in qualifying technical programs, making LATC education essentially free for eligible South Dakota residents.

Training Programs

Why Choose Lake?

• Industry-recognized credentials and certifications
• Hands-on training with modern automation equipment
• Strong alumni network in the Automate America community
• Career placement assistance and job connections