There are numerous job opportunities in Georgia for those with welding experience. While there is no requirement for a state-issued license to work as a welder in Georgia, the appropriate training and certifications are critical for developing a solid reputation in the field.
This article discusses how to become a welder in Georgia and provides a list of some of the best welding schools in Georgia to help you get started on this exciting career path.
You will also learn about the salary expectations and all.
Table of contents
- 15 Best Welding Schools in Georgia | 2024 Requirements
- #1 Albany Technical College
- #2 Athens Technical College
- #3 Central Georgia Technical College
- #4 Chattahoochee Technical College
- #5 Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- #6 Gwinnett Technical College
- #7 Savannah Technical College.
- #8 Southern Crescent Technical College
- #9 West Georgia Technical College
- #10 Georgia Trade School
- #11 Lanier Technical College
- #12 Fortis Institute
- #13 Atlanta Technical College
- #14 Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- #15 Technical College System of Georgia
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Georgia Welder Training: How to become a welder
- How Long Are Georgia Welding Schools In Operation?
- How Much Do Welding Schools in Georgia Cost?
- How Much Do Georgia Welders Earn?
- FAQs on Best Welding Schools in Georgia
- Conclusion
- References
15 Best Welding Schools in Georgia | 2024 Requirements
- 1 Albany Technical College
- 2 Athens Technical College
- 3 Central Georgia Technical College
- 4 Chattahoochee Technical College
- 5 Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- 6 Gwinnett Technical College
- 7 Savannah Technical College.
- 8 Southern Crescent Technical College
- 9 West Georgia Technical College
- 10 Georgia Trade School
- 11 Lanier Technical College
- 12 Fortis Institute
- 13 Atlanta Technical College
- 14 Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- 15 Technical College System of Georgia
#1 Albany Technical College
This is one of the best welding schools in Georgia. It offers welding and joining technology diplomas.
The first courses in this 50-credit program are foundational in interpersonal relationships, mathematics, and English.
Students can then further their education by enrolling in welding specialties such as plasma cutting, horizontal shielded metal arc welding, flat, shielded metal arc welding, and overhead shielded metal arc welding.
Students can find courses in ornamental ironwork, fabrication techniques, and blueprint reading.
Students who are looking for options have a wide range of only want a welding certificate.
Pipe welding, flux-cored arc welding, basic shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, advanced shielded metal arc welding, and vertical shielded metal arc fabrication are among the certificate options available to students.
See also: 15 Best Welding Schools in Arizona | 2024 Requirements
#2 Athens Technical College
Athens Technical College is another welding school that offers a variety of welding classes to students.
During the introductory welding course, students learn about industrial safety, welding codes and standards, and how to operate heavy machinery and hand tools.
Students who want to learn automatic and manual oxyfuel-cutting methods should take the class.
Automotive welding classes are also included in the auto collision repair diploma program.
#3 Central Georgia Technical College
There are many welding certificate programs at this best welding schools in Georgia. Pipe welding, gas metal arc welding, basic shielded metal arc welding, advanced shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and vertical shielded metal arc welding fabrication are among the welding options available to students.
Students who want to learn various welding techniques can enroll in welding and technology diploma programs.
Advanced gas tungsten arc welding, industrial qualification preparation, and oxyfuel cutting are part of the diploma program.
#4 Chattahoochee Technical College
Students who complete the course and enroll in the technology program at Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta will receive a diploma.
Students begin their studies at Appalachian by taking welding technology, mathematics, professional development, English, and computers classes.
Following that is a discussion of gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding.
Students can finally choose to study metal cutting and welding processes, fabrication processes, pipe welding, plasma cutting, or fabrication processes once they reach the electives.
#5 Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Certificate programs in basic shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, advanced shielded metal arc welding, and vertical shielded metal arc welding fabrication are available at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Rome.
At the Floyd, Walker, and Whitfield Murray campus, students can gain a diploma in welding and joining technology.
This program has a fall and spring semesters. It covers areas of academic, professional, and technical welding information.
Industrial qualifications, blueprint reading, metal arc welding, and oxyfuel cutting, students learn theoretical and practical welding skills are learned in class.
#6 Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville offers diploma programs in welding and joining technology. It is one of the best welding schools in Georgia.
With proper planning, the program can be finished in three semesters. The program includes introductory courses in computer technology and welding technology.
After completing the three required general classes, students can progress to learning about vertical, horizontal, overhead, and flat-shielded metal arc welding.
There are certificate programs in advanced shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and flux-cored arc welding in addition to the diploma program.
#7 Savannah Technical College.
Savannah Technical College gives students certificates in gas tungsten arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, and gas metal arc welding.
Certificate programs in basic shielded metal arc welding and advanced shielded metal arc welding are also available.
The diploma program in welding and joining technology is an alternative welding educational option in this region.
This program has a minimum age requirement of 16, but neither a GED nor a high school diploma is required.
This program’s fundamental courses also cover reading blueprints, vertical shielded metal arc welding, computers, and welding technology.
#8 Southern Crescent Technical College
The curriculum for Southern Crescent Technical College is a 49-51 credit hour welding and joining technology diploma program in Griffin.
The program includes eight credit hours of basic skill classes, 39 credit hours of major core requirements, and the remaining credit hours are electives.
Some electives available to students include metal welding and cutting techniques, pipe welding, plasma cutting, ornamental ironworks, fabrication processes, flux core arc welding, and advanced gas tungsten arc welding.
Additionally, several individual majors, such as gas tungsten arc welding, vertical shielded metal arc welding fabrication, gas metal arc welding, and fundamental shielded metal arc welding, can be pursued to obtain a certificate.
See also: 8 Best Welding Schools in Wyoming | 2024 Requirements
#9 West Georgia Technical College
West Georgia Technical College in Waco offers pipe welding, gas metal arc welding, advanced gas tungsten arc welding, essential shielded metal arc welding, and essential shielded metal arc welding certificates.
This school offers welding and joining technology diploma programs to students willing to enroll in at least 50 credit hours of courses.
Graduates of the welding and joining technology diploma program are able to take the certification exams offered by the American Welding Society.
The diploma program teaches both theoretical and practical applications of welding technology.
It is one of the best welding schools in Georgia.
#10 Georgia Trade School
Acworth’s Georgia Trade School offers a structural plate and pipe welding certification program.
Morning and afternoon classes are available during the 14-week full-time program. The part-time course, taught at night, can be completed in 24 weeks.
Shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding is among the welding processes taught. This program has a 95% job placement rate.
#11 Lanier Technical College
Lanier Technical College’s Oakwood, Barrow, and Dawson campuses offer welding diploma and certificate programs.
Please confirm the availability of certificate programs on each campus before applying. The Welding and Joining Technology Diploma program lasts two years.
The Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certificate, the Basic Metal Fabricator Certificate, the Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certificate, the Gas Metal Arc Welder Certificate, the Gas Tungsten Arc Welder Certificate, and the Ornamental Iron Fabricator Certificate are all available certificates that take a year to complete.
#12 Fortis Institute
FORTIS is made up of several colleges. It is a network of postsecondary educational institutions. A FORTIS Institute and a FORTIS College campus are available.
Each of these provides an excellent opportunity for training and learning. A nationally recognized organization has accredited the campuses.
FORTIS serves over 40 schools in 15 states and provides online courses, diploma and degree programs, and career-based training.
Welding technology training is available at three FORTIS network colleges.
It is one of the best welding schools in Georgia.
#13 Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta Technical College opened its doors in 1945. The school’s goal has been to provide opportunities for lifelong learning through career preparation and educational experiences since then.
Atlanta Technical College grants technical credit certificates, associate degrees, and diplomas. Choose a program from nearly 50 options.
The Welding/Joining Technology diploma program is divided into three semesters. Candidates will be ready to take the qualifying examinations.
Furthermore, two technical certificate programs are available: pipe-shielded metal arc (2 semesters) and weld blueprint reading (1 semester).
#14 Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College is one of the state’s most prestigious and well-established technical colleges.
It was founded in 1961 with only 18 students. Currently, more than 7,000 students are admitted for continuing education and adult classes, while over 5,000 people are enrolled in credit programs.
The accreditation of this best welding schools in Georgia is provided by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
There are options for face-to-face, online, hybrid, standard (15-week), accelerated (7-week), and stacked (2-10-week) programs.
Passing one of the courses will earn you a certificate of completion or a diploma in welding and joining technology.
#15 Technical College System of Georgia
The Technical College System of Georgia is one of the most well-known places to begin your education because of its size and abundance of opportunities.
The university has a large campus where you can learn new skills and meet new people. The teaching board’s primary goal is to give you a new future and to turn you into a professional as soon as possible.
Enrolling in a welding program is a wise decision that will lead to a well-paying job. It provides a variety of educational levels, from certificates to degrees, and the college will also assist you in finding employment.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Georgia Welder Training: How to become a welder
To become a welder in Georgia, you must complete a few simple steps.
This guide offers the following advice to those who want to begin their welding training:
- Because most schools require a GED or a high school diploma, get one of these credentials first. Although some high schools are willing to accept juniors, it is best to double-check the information.
- Look for a suitable welding training program. You must ensure that you have the necessary skills to pass your welding certification exam.
- Prepare for the American Welding Society’s welder certification exam.
- Once you’ve received your certification, you can start looking for a job. Consider the fact that the majority of schools typically assist with job placement.
- Keep in mind that you must renew your welding certification every six months.
- Take your chance to make more money. You can find a better career option if you develop your skills and further your education. You can take training courses to become a certified underwater welder or a Senior Certified Welding Inspector.
How Long Are Georgia Welding Schools In Operation?
Because Georgia has few regulations, becoming a welder is relatively simple. A high school diploma, GED, and training from an apprenticeship or an approved training program are required.
Some businesses will hire apprentices and train them on the job, even though the majority of welding employers prefer to hire someone who has successfully completed an accredited training course.
In Georgia, the majority of welding technology training programs can be finished in a year.
Even though some advanced programs can last up to two years, you can usually begin working as a welder a year after completing your training.
How Much Do Welding Schools in Georgia Cost?
Welding classes at community colleges or technical schools typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000.
See also: 15 Best Welding Schools in Florida | 2024 Requirements
How Much Do Georgia Welders Earn?
Welders in Georgia earn a median annual wage of $36,450 ($17.52 per hour), slightly less than the national average of $39,390 ($18.94 per hour).
Welders in the top 10% of median pay earn more than $62,100 per year on average in the United States, while those in Georgia’s top 10% earn more than $50,960.
The future of welding employment is undeniably bright! Between 2016 and 2026, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% increase in welding jobs. In other words, an additional 22,500 jobs have been created in just ten years.
FAQs on Best Welding Schools in Georgia
Most welding technology training programs in Georgia can be completed in a year. Although some advanced programs can last up to two years, you should be able to start a welding career about a year after beginning your training.
There is no insurance requirement for welders in Georgia. However, if you want to start your own welding business and work for other companies, you’ll need commercial insurance. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance are also required.
Conclusion
Expect your welding school training in Georgia to take up to two years.
It is now your turn to work toward a successful career, so we hope this article was highly beneficial to you.
Check to see if you’ve covered everything, then look for some of the best welding training programs in your area.
References
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