Explore our comprehensive guide to the 15 best welding schools in Georgia in 2023. Discover the top-rated institutions offering quality welding education and training at the best welding schools in Georgia. Prepare for a successful welding career with the right foundation and skills from these esteemed schools.
The state of Georgia has a good number of schools that offer welding classes and programs. Students interested in the field can obtain a certificate or diploma in welding or a sub-field of the discipline; some schools also offer individual courses.
Many programs build on pre-existing skill sets; students must have basic welding skills before progressing to more specialized divisions.
Classes focus on safely developing hands-on skills with welding tools and equipment.
You can use this article to learn more about the best welding schools in Georgia.
Furthermore, you will be able to find a wealth of helpful information such as basic facts, salary, etc.
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Table of Contents
Are there Welding Schools in Georgia?
There are many welding schools in Georgia. Some of these welding schools include:
- Albany Technical College
- Athens Technical College
- Central Georgia Technical College
- Chattahoochee Technical College
- Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Gwinnett Technical College
- Savannah Technical College
- Southern Crescent Technical College
- West Georgia Technical College
- Georgia Trade School
- Lanier Technical College
- Fortis Institute
- Atlanta Technical College
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College
- Technical College System of Georgia
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How Does One Become a Welder in Georgia?
To become a welder in Georgia, you must complete a few simple steps. Of course, it takes effort, but the process is straightforward.
Often, the first step is to complete high school or obtain a GED, as many schools require one of these credentials for admission. Some programs, however, only require students to be juniors in high school.
The next step is to locate a welding certification program. You’ll gain the skills you need through classroom instruction and hands-on learning to pass the welding certification test.
After completing all the courses, you must pass the American Welding Society’s standard tests.
You’ll be ready for a welding career once you’ve earned your certification! Typically, schools assist with job placement as part of their curriculum.
Make sure to renew your welding certification every six months after you obtain it.
Furthermore, as your education progresses, you will be able to find higher-paying welding jobs. To accomplish this, consider returning to school for additional certification, such as a Senior Certified Welding Inspector certification or an underwater welding certification.
What are the Best Welding Schools in Georgia?
Below are the 15 best welding schools in Georgia:
#1 Albany Technical College
Albany Technical College in Albany offers welding and joining technology diplomas. This is a 50-credit program that begins with foundational classes in interpersonal relationships, mathematics, and English.
Following that, students can pursue coursework in various types of welding, such as plasma cutting, horizontal shielded metal arc welding, flat, shielded metal arc welding, and overhead shielded metal arc welding.
Courses on ornamental ironwork, fabrication processes, and blueprint reading are available.
Students who only want a welding certificate have many options here.
As a certificate, students can choose from advanced shielded metal arc welding, basic shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding, vertical shielded metal arc welding fabrication, and pipe welding.
#2 Athens Technical College
Athens Technical College offers a variety of welding classes to students. In an introductory welding course, students learn about welding codes and standards, industrial safety, and how to use powerful machines and hand tools.
The oxyfuel-cutting class is for students who want to learn automatic and manual oxyfuel-cutting techniques.
The automotive collision repair diploma program also includes automotive welding classes.
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#3 Central Georgia Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College in Macon offers a variety of welding certificate programs.
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 all student options.
Students interested in a program that covers many types of welding can enroll in the welding and also join the technology diploma program.
The diploma program includes classes such as oxyfuel cutting, industrial qualification preparation, and advanced gas tungsten arc welding.
#4 Chattahoochee Technical College
Students who complete the course and join the technology program at Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta can receive a diploma.
Students begin their studies at the Appalachian campus by taking welding technology, mathematics, professional development, English, and computer classes.
The program then discusses gas tungsten arc welding and gas metal arc welding.
Finally, students can study plasma cutting, pipe welding, fabrication processes, or metal cutting and welding techniques once they reach the electives.
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#5 Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Students in Rome can pursue 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 at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
Welding and joining technology diploma program is available at the Floyd, Walker, and Whitfield Murray campuses.
This program is available in the fall and spring semesters. This program covers professional, technical, and academic welding information.
In classes on industrial qualifications, blueprint reading, metal arc welding, and oxyfuel cutting, students learn both practical and theoretical welding skills.
#6 Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College offers to weld and joining technology diploma programs in the Lawrenceville area.
The program can be completed in three semesters with proper preparation and coordination. The program begins with introductory courses in welding technology and computer technology.
Following the completion of 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 flux cored arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and advanced shielded metal arc welding in addition to the diploma program.
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#7 Savannah Technical College
Savannah Technical College offers 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 area.
This program does not require a GED or a high school diploma; students must be at least 16 years old.
Also, this program’s core coursework includes blueprint reading, vertical shielded metal arc welding, computers, and welding technology.
#8 Southern Crescent Technical College
The welding and joining technology diploma program at Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin has a curriculum of 49 to 51 credit hours.
The program devotes eight credit hours to basic skill classes, 39 to major core requirements, and the remaining hours to electives.
Among the electives available to students are metal welding and cutting techniques, pipe welding, plasma cutting, ornamental ironworks, fabrication processes, flux core arc welding, and advanced gas tungsten arc welding.
Also, gas tungsten arc welding, vertical shielded metal arc welding fabrication, gas metal arc welding, and basic shielded metal arc welding are all individual majors that can be pursued to earn a certificate.
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#9 West Georgia Technical College
West Georgia Technical College in Waco offers certificates for pipe welders, essential shielded metal arc welders, advanced shielded metal arc welders, gas metal arc welders, and gas tungsten arc welders.
This school offers to weld and join technology diploma programs to students willing to take at least 50 credit hours of courses.
Students who complete the welding and joining technology diploma program are eligible to take the American Welding Society’s certification examinations.
The diploma program teaches both theoretical and practical applications of welding technology.
#10 Georgia Trade School
Structural Plate and Pipe Welding are a certification program Georgia Trade School in Acworth offers.
The full-time program is 14 weeks long and consists of morning or afternoon classes. The part-time program is taught at night and can be completed in 24 weeks.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding are among the techniques taught. This program has a job placement rate of 95%.
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#11 Lanier Technical College
Lanier Technical College’s Oakwood, Barrow, and Dawson campuses offer welding diploma and certificate programs.
Certificate program availability varies by campus, so please check before applying. The Welding and Joining Technology Diploma is a two-year program.
Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certificate, Basic Metal Fabricator Certificate, Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certificate, Gas Metal Arc Welder Certificate, Gas Tungsten Arc Welder Certificate, and Ornamental Iron Fabricator Certificate are available and take one year to complete.
#12 Fortis Institute
FORTIS is more than just one college. It is a postsecondary 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.
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#13 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.
Additionally, pipe Shielded Metal Arc (2 semesters) and Welding Blueprint Reading are two technical certificate programs (1 semester).
#14 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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#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 it is large and full of opportunities.
The school has a large campus where you can learn new skills and make new friends. The main goal of the teaching board is to turn you into a professional as quickly as possible and to give you a new future.
The welding program is a wise decision that leads to a well-paying job. It offers various levels of education, from certificates to degrees, and the college will also help you find work.
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How Long are Welding Schools in Georgia?
Because there are few regulations in Georgia, becoming a welder is relatively simple. You must have a GED certificate or have completed high school and training through an apprenticeship or an approved training course.
While some companies will hire apprentices and train them on the job, most welding employers prefer to employ someone who has completed an accredited training course.
Most welding technology training courses in Georgia can be completed in a year.
A few advanced programs may last up to two years, but you can generally begin a welding career within a year of your training.
How Much are Welding Schools in Georgia?
Programs to learn welding at community colleges or technical schools typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000.
Programs typically last two years and end with a certificate of completion.
Depending on the location and specialization, the cost and length of the training may vary.
There are significant differences in the cost of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees for residents and non-residents.
You can save a lot of money by attending a nearby university.
Associate’s degrees cost between $2,000 and $31,000 and can be earned in two years.
A bachelor’s degree costs between $40,000 and $100,000 and can be earned in four years.
A bachelor’s degree or higher is typically required for welders who want to work as welding supervisors, inspectors, instructors, or engineers.
How Much Do Welders Make in Georgia?
Welders in Georgia earn a median annual salary of $36,450 ($17.52 per hour), slightly lower than the national median of $39,390 ($18.94 per hour).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in the top 10% of median pay earn more than $62,100 per year on average, while welders in the top 10% of the median wage in Georgia earn more than $50,960.
Without a doubt, the welding job outlook for welders is bright! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, welding jobs will increase by 6% between 2016 and 2026. In other words, there has been a 22,500 job increase in just ten years.
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Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen the list of top welding schools in Georgia and everything else that a welder in Georgia, has to offer, it’s time to take the next step.
We urge you to look for a welding training program near you!
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FAQs
Do You Need a License To Be a Welder in Georgia?
Because the state of Georgia does not issue welding licenses, you do not need one to work in this industry.
Does a Welder Need Insurance in Georgia?
In Georgia, welders are not required to carry insurance. However, if you intend to start your own welding company and work for other companies, you must have commercial insurance.
Is a welding course in Georgia worth it?
Yes, welding school can be worthwhile because, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers increasingly require postsecondary welding education (BLS).
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