List of Welding Schools & Classes in Georgia [Updated]
Georgia is a great state to weld in. Welders have the choice between plant maintenance welding, pipe welding, or even working at the largest airline hub in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
These jobs are only the tip of the iceberg for those looking for a career in the field. An average salary for an entry-level welder is around $42,000, with much higher salaries for those with experience.
A great way to start your career in this field is with certifications. These let employers know that you have the basic skills needed to succeed on the job.
These certifications are accepted nationwide. Welders test at facilities approved by the American Welding Society and Georgia has one of the facilities that are approved. So, once you’re done with classes, you can head right over to the facility and receive your certification.
You don’t need a state-issued license to be a welder in Georgia either.
Below are some of the top welding schools in the state. If you are looking for a new career or you are just entering the workforce, these schools and faculty could be a great choice for you!
1) Georgia Trade School
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and GTAW
- Price: $10,750.00
- Website: http://www.georgiatradeschool.com/
- Telephone: (770) 590-9353
- Location: 4231 Southside Dr, Acworth, GA 30101
Georgia Trade School is one of the top welding programs in the nation. The program helps secure jobs for students through their relationships with unions, manufacturers, shipbuilders, and others.
The school offers both full-time and part-time schedules to ensure students are able to attend. They have up-to-date equipment in their labs, meaning you will receive training that is applicable to your career field. Students will learn torch cutting, fabrication techniques, machine operation, and much more.
The school gives students the opportunity to test in accordance with the appropriate industry codes (AWS, ASME) at the end of the program.
Students will also learn blueprint reading, shop drawings, math and weld symbols, and more during their time in the classroom.
The school offers a 10% discount for paying the full tuition upfront and a 20% discount for military and public safety students.
2) Athens Technical College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: Diploma and Certificate-Based
- Price: ~$8,000.00 for Diploma Program
- Website: http://www.athenstech.edu/waltoncampus/
- Telephone: (706) 355-5000
- Location: 800 US Hwy 29 North, Athens, GA 30601
Athens Technical College offers a program in Welding and Joining Technology.
Students who complete the program are trained to interpret blueprints and drawings, perform shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding among other types, qualify for industry certification, and demonstrate ethics and interpersonal skills while on the job.
3) Fortis College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: Classroom and Laboratory Welding
- Price: ~$15,000.00
- Website: https://www.fortis.edu/campuses/georgia/smyrna.html
- Telephone: (770) 980-0002
- Location: 2140 South Cobb Dr, Smyrna, GA 30080
Fortis College is a nationwide technical school that has a top-notch welding training program. Their programs are designed to train students in the skills they need for entry-level positions, welding apprenticeships, or check welders.
They offer a comprehensive curriculum that balances traditional classroom lecture with real-world training in the lab. Classroom lectures cover welding symbols, math, and reading/interpreting blueprints. In the lab, students will learn methods of destructive and non-destructive testing to determine the quality of welds.
4) Aviation Maintenance
- Type: Welding
- Classes: SMAW, GTAW, FCAW and GMAW
- Price: ~15,000.00
- Website: https://aviationmaintenance.edu/
- Telephone: (678) 377-5600
- Location: 2025 Satellite Pointe, Duluth, GA 30096
Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers a Combination Welding Diploma Program that combines classroom training with hands-on training to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
The program teaches students basic manipulative skills that are involved in both welding and flame cutting. Students learn welding theory as well.
After completing the program, students will be prepared to take the test for the Welding Certification from the American Welding Society 3G-4G.
5) Wiregrass
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, Pipe Welding and More
- Price: Minimum Tuition of $1,984.00
- Website: http://www.wiregrass.edu/
- Telephone: (229) 333-2100
- Location: 4089 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s welding program helps students develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills.
This program focuses on welding theory and practical application to better prepare students for successful employment, retention, and advancement.
Students who complete the program are awarded a diploma in Welding and Joining Technology. Graduates have the qualifications of a welding and joining technician, and are prepared to take the necessary tests for certification.
6) North Georgia Tech
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, Pipe Welding and More
- Price: $2,736.00 – 6,336.00
- Website: http://northgatech.edu/
- Telephone: (706) 754-7700
- Location: 1500 Hwy 197 N, Clarkesville, GA 30523
North Georgia Technical College is home to a state-of-the-art welding facility that is furnished with the latest welding equipment and technologies, ensuring that students of the program are fully equipped and prepared to take the qualification tests at the end of the program.
The faculty works directly with employers and can even refer graduates for employment.
Students are trained on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. They learn to use stick, mig, and tig welding processes. The facility that students will train in houses 100 welding stations that are fully equipped.
7) Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Type: Welding
- Classes: GMAW, GTAW, Blueprint Reading, SMAW and More
- Price: ~$5,400.00
- Website: http://www.gntc.edu/about/campuses/index.php
- Telephone: (706) 272-2966
- Location: 2310 Maddox Chapel Rd, Dalton, GA 30721
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers a diploma program that is designed to prepare students for full-time careers in the industry.
The program is a minimum of 54 credit hours and trains students in gas metal, gas tungsten, and shielded metal arc welding. Students will also learn oxyfuel and plasma cutting, blueprint reading, and much more.