Level 3 Welding and Fabrication help?

Hi, i'm 18 years old and currently on a PEO level 2 welding and fabrication course. I want to progress onto level 3 at the end of this school year but have been told i need to have an apprentiship but i don't really want to do that. My goal is to become a college lecturer and teach welding. Do you know any colleges that would let me do a level 3 or equivilent without an apprentiship. I live in the northwest. The apprentiship is the last resort. Thanks. Ask for any extra details.