Program learning opportunities develop academic, technical, professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. The program emphasizes welding theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive a Welding and Joining Technology diploma, have the qualifications of a welding and joining technician, and are prepared to take qualification tests.
What skills do students learn in this program?
Students learn a variety of skills ranging from the proper usage of hand tools, saws and different types of machinery that are commonly found in welding and fabrication shops. This, of course, is in addition to learning the skills that are involved with becoming a journeyman welder in a very lucrative field with numerous processes. Most major processes are taught here at GPTC.
What types of students thrive in the program and in this career field? Those who:
- like to work with varying temperatures and hot metal
- can pay close attention to details
- possess good hand and eye coordination
- are comfortable working occasionally in compromising positions
- are able to lift heavy objects
- are skilled at fabricating projects in stressful environments from time to time
What types of jobs are available to graduates of this program? Where can they work?
The career opportunities are quite numerous for an experienced welder and even for an apprentice. A continuing education pathway is also available for welders desiring further advancement. Welders may work for shipyards, in manufacturing, as entrepreneurs, in construction, in pipe welding, for the Department of Transportation, transportation providers such as MARTA, for car manufacturers, in food processing plants, in technical sales, as inspectors, for the government or military, in research or education and in infrastructure. Positions are available both stateside and overseas.