If you want a stable career that provides you with a lot of employment options in a variety of industries, learning how to weld is a good start.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for welders in Georgia was $40,940 as of May 2020, lower than the national average.
However, salaries vary depending on a wide range of factors and top welders earn more than $55,000 per year.
Earning additional certifications and gaining experience in the field can help improve your earning prospects.
On this page, we have compiled information about the schools that provide training options for aspiring welders in Atlanta.
GA Trade School
Georgia Trade School is an independent welding school that provides training in welding technology.
The school offers both full-time and part-time schedules to meet the student’s needs.
Students can choose between morning and afternoon full-time schedules and a night part-time schedule.
Graduates receive support in finding a job through the school’s partnership with shipbuilders, unions, manufacturers, energy, and construction companies.
During the 500-hour program, students have the opportunity of earning up to 5 qualifications.
After successfully completing the program, students receive a welder’s certification record that will be reflecting their qualifications.
Address: Georgia Trade School 4231 Southside Drive Acworth, GA 30101
Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta Technical College is offering a Welding and Joining Technology Diploma program designed to prepare students for careers in the field.
Graduates are ready for employment as entry-level workers in the construction industry.
Students are also prepared for certification tests.
The program is three terms long and costs approximately $5,400.
The school is also offering a Welding Blueprint Reading TCC that covers topics such as safety, tools use, construction print readings, and materials and fasteners.
This program is 1-term-long and costs $2,242.
Address: 301321 Patton Plaza SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Fortis College
Fortis College offers several career training programs at its Smyrna campus.
The Welding Technician program is designed to train students for an entry-level position as a welder.
Students learn industrial welding technologies, craft skills, welding math, and career development skills.
Graduates are ready for employment in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, commercial machinery industries, and construction.
Address: 2140 S Cobb Dr, Smyrna, GA 30080
West Georgia Technical College
West Georgia Technical College is offering a Welding and Joining Technology program that provides students with a diploma or technical certificate, depending on the path they choose.
Their catalog includes the following programs:
Diploma Program:
- Welding & Joining Technology Diploma
Technical Certificates
- Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder
- Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder
- Gas Metal Arc Welder
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welder
- Pipe Welder
Address: 401 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117
Mechanical Trades Institute
The Mechanical Trades Institute offers a welding program as part of a 5-year work-study program.
Students learn a variety of welding processes, including:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Mechanized Orbital Welding
Apprentices spend most of their time in a shop learning directly from certified welding instructors.
Address: 374 Maynard Terrace, S.E. Atlanta, GA 30316
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance offers a Combination Welding Diploma Program that teaches students a variety of skills.
Students enrolled in this program learn hands-on welding and flame cutting.
Classroom training covers welding theory, shop prints, and blueprint reading.
Graduates are ready for the Welding Certification test from the American Welding Society.
The program can be completed in 12 months.
Address: 4455 South Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Lanier Technical College
Lanier Technical College prepares students for careers as welders in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, motorsports, pipeline construction, and more.
The school has campuses in five Georgia cities: Gainesville, Cumming, Winder, Dawsonville, and Commerce.
Students can choose between different paths:
- Welding and Joining Technology Diploma
- Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certificate
- Basic Metal Fabricator Certificate
- Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder Certificate
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welder Certificate
The Basic Metal Fabricator Certificate program is 2-semester long while the other certificate programs are 1-semester long.
The Diploma program is 4-semesters long.
Students must be over 16 years of age before admission.
Address: 2535 Lanier Tech Drive Gainesville , GA 30507