Do you still have second thoughts about becoming a welder?
Did you know that a skilled welder is always in high demand?
Furthermore, you will be able to earn the salary of a skilled doctor or lawyer! And if that isn’t enough for you, welders have many career options! Starting with underwater welding and progressing to spacecraft!
Those looking for post-secondary welding education in Atlanta can consider nearby technical schools.
Students in one of these programs learn skills such as blueprint reading and interpersonal communication, as well as the specialized training required for the profession.
In this article, you will see the welding schools in Atlanta, Georgia. So keep reading:
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Table of Contents
Are there Welding Schools in Atlanta?
There are few Welding Schools in Atlanta, Georgia.
Below is the list of the best welding schools in Atlanta, GA.
- Fortis Institute
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance
- Atlanta Technical College
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- Chattahoochee Technical College
- Gwinnett Technical College
- Southern Crescent Technical College
- Mechanical Trades Institute
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How Does One Become a Welder in Atlanta?
How does one become a welder with so many advantages to the welding industry and its lifestyle? We can assist you in five simple steps:
Step 1 – Research
The United States has 330 million people, but only about 400,000 are professional welders. That means that 99.998% of the population is employed in a different field.
With such a specialized market, you must be sure that this is your career. Without proper research, mistakes will be made, and the match will almost certainly be poor.
For starters, welding is a physically demanding job frequently performed in harsh conditions ranging from weather to environment – the hull of a ship, for example, is not air-conditioned, and a large fabrication shop may not have an adequate ventilation system.
Some jobs, particularly those on the pipelines, will require extensive travel, and if you have a young family, you will most likely miss them.
Step 2 – Participate in a trade school, technical college, or union apprenticeship.
While previous generations learned to weld from an older family member who worked in the industry, today’s welders will benefit from welding schools’ Technology, industrial math, blueprint interpretation, and safety training.
Welding machines are far more sophisticated than in previous decades. The days of simply turning a knob are long gone. Prospective welders must also learn how to weld on various machines, as this is what they will encounter in the field.
You are unlikely to spend your entire career in a shop or with an employer that only carries one type of machine, such as a Miller or Lincoln.
Most likely, your high school did not provide classes on how to read measurements or basic blueprints.
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Step 3 – Become a Certified Welder
Once you’ve decided on a program or pathway, you must maintain excellent attendance and utilize all available lab time.
You will have the opportunity to test in accordance with the American Welding Society at the end of most programs. And, even if you have all your certifications, don’t lose sight of the skills you have worked hard to master.
Also, shielded Metal Arc Welding tests are typically offered first, followed by Mig and Flux Core. TIG and pipe certifications may not be available in fast-track welding programs or may be restricted to students who demonstrate a propensity in those areas.
Step 4 – Obtain a Job as a Welder.
A good welding school provides its students with placement services such as resume development, employer leads, and, in many cases, direct connections to employers via tours and visits.
However, because even the best welding schools cannot legally guarantee employment, it is the student’s responsibility to pursue leads and research opportunities on their own diligently.
As they near graduation, students should know the certifications for which they will be tested. If they want to pass a Pipe test, they should start looking for jobs in the energy sector and in the areas where their skills are most in demand.
The same applies to fabricators, manufacturers, and even union jobs (including film and television sets).
Step 5 – Networking or not working.
This is the final and possibly most crucial step. Employers are more likely to hire people they like and who are trustworthy. For example, you are most likely to project if you work in construction.
Developing relationships with supervisors and forepersons are essential for being the first to be called for the next job. If you are a difficult employee, they may decide it is not worth the effort. Trade associations are essential for new welders.
The American Welding Society and the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association are likely the best. Attend their meetings, pay attention to the presenters, and continue to learn.
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What are the Best Welding Schools in Atlanta?
Below are the Welding Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, that offer different welding programs:
1. Fortis Institute
FORTIS is more than just one college. It is a post-secondary network of institutes and colleges. A FORTIS Institute and a FORTIS College campus are available.
Each of these provides an effective learning and training experience. A nationally recognized body has accredited the campuses.
FORTIS provides online programs, diploma and degree programs, and career-based training in over 40 schools across 15 states. The Welding Technology training program is available at three FORTIS network colleges.
2. Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance is approved by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and offers FAA-approved programs (FAA).
The graduates were hired by the world’s largest airlines. The institute has 12 campuses spread across ten states.
Earn a certificate in one of eight specializations: Aircraft Dispatcher, Aviation Maintenance Technical Engineer, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Aviation Maintenance Technician Electronic, Avionic Technician, HVAC, Combination Welding, or Industrial Manufacturing Technician.
The American Welding Society test will prepare you if you complete the Combination Welding program.
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3. Atlanta Technical College
In 1945, Atlanta Technical College was founded. Since then, the school’s mission has been to provide lifelong learning opportunities through career preparation and learning experiences. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited ATC.
Atlanta Technical College grants diplomas, associate degrees, and technical credit certificates. Choose a program from nearly 50 options. The Welding/Joining Technology diploma program is three semesters long.
People will be ready to take the qualification tests. Pipe Shielded Metal Arc (2 semesters) and Welding Blueprint Reading are two technical certificate programs (1 semester).
4. Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College is one of the state’s oldest and most prestigious technical colleges. It was founded in 1961 with just 18 students.
Currently, over 5.000 people are enrolled in credit programs, and over 7.000 are enrolled in continuing education and adult education classes. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited Georgia Piedmont Tech.
Face-to-face, online, and hybrid courses are available, as well as standard (15-week), accelerated (7-week), and stacked (2-10-week) programs.
Earn a Welding and Joining Technology diploma or a certificate of completion in one of the Welding Technology courses.
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5. Chattahoochee Technical College
Chattahoochee Technical College was formed in 2009 by merging three independent institutions: Appalachian Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, and North Metro Technical College. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited the college.
Degrees, diplomas, and certificates are available in over 50 programs of study across three disciplines: Arts & Sciences, Business & Technical Studies, and Technical Studies. Day and evening classes are available, as well as online and hybrid options.
To obtain a diploma, stand-alone, or embedded technical certificates, apply to the Welding and Joining Technology program.
6. Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College has provided career-focused training and education for nearly four decades. The Commission accredits it on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Gwinnett Tech’s primary mission is to improve people’s lives by expanding their knowledge and creating job opportunities.
Over 140 programs are available at the college. Earn your certificate, degree, or diploma in as little as two years. Participate in the Welding and Joining Technology program.
Earn a diploma or a certificate of completion from one of the four welding-specific programs.
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7. Southern Crescent Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College is part of Georgia’s Technical College System. It was founded in 2010 when two colleges merged.
The college’s core values are integrity, academic excellence, and student success. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has accredited Southern Crescent Technical College.
Choose between Allied Health Programs, Business Technology Programs, Computer Information Systems Programs, Film & Television Production Programs, Professional Services Programs, Public Safety Programs, and Technical & Industrial Programs.
Welding certificates are available through the Technical and Industrial Programs.
8. Mechanical Trades Institute
JATT Welding is a 5-year work-study program and continuing education for local Journeymen. With full-time instructors available during the day and some evenings, the JATT teaches pipe welding and its processes.
Pipe welding is one of the most challenging skill sets to master. Once apprentices have mastered these techniques, their knowledge will be transferable to other areas of the welding industry. Apprentices will be multi-process welders by the end of the JATT program.
Also, 75% of the class time will be spent in the shop, learning directly from our certified welding instructors.
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How Long are Welding Schools in Atlanta?
Welding classes and programs are typically found at 2-year technical colleges in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1-4 terms, you could earn a certificate in gas metal arc welding, vertical shielded metal arc fabrication, or ornamental iron fabrication.
You could also finish welding and join a diploma program in three to four terms. Program completion may help you qualify for industry certifications.
How Much are Welding Schools in Atlanta?
Welding programs at community colleges or technical schools usually cost between $5,000 and $15,000.
Typically, programs last two years and end with a certificate of completion.
The cost and duration of training may vary depending on location and specialization.
The costs of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees differ significantly between residents and non-residents.
Attending a nearby university can help you save a lot of money.
Associate’s degrees range in price from $2,000 to $31,000 and can be completed in two years.
A bachelor’s degree costs between $40,000 and $100,000 and takes four years to complete.
Welders who want to work as welding supervisors, inspectors, instructors, or engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree or higher.
How Much Do Welders Make in Atlanta?
The average annual salary for a Welder in Atlanta is $40,659.
A quick salary calculator works out to about $19.55 per hour if you need a quick salary calculator. This equates to $781 per week or $3,388 per month.
While ZipRecruiter reports salaries ranging from $55,585 to $22,829, the majority of Welder salaries in Atlanta currently range from $33,251 (25th percentile) to $42,681 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) earning $49,629 per year.
The average pay range for a welder varies greatly (up to $9,430), implying that there may be numerous opportunities for advancement and higher pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.
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Conclusion
Aspiring welders in the Atlanta, Georgia, area can enroll in one of several two-year post-secondary diploma programs.
These technical college programs combine classroom and hands-on instruction to prepare students for employment; some programs may also fulfill professional certification requirements.
Some schools may also offer shorter certificate programs in specific areas of welding. Sometimes an admission test is required.
I hope this article was helpful to you.
FAQs
Do you need a license to weld in Atlanta?
Before being permitted to field weld on any structural steel components, all Field Welders must be qualified by the Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Materials and Research, Inspection Services Branch.
How do you become a master welder in Atlanta?
Extensive training and on-the-job experience are required to become a master welder. Many aspiring master welders start their careers as welder apprentices.Â
You can also earn a degree or diploma by taking welding classes at a community college or trade school.
Are Welding Schools in Atlanta Hard?
Most people find welding to be a moderate to challenging skill to learn because it is a hands-on skill that requires more than just reading.
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