Welding and Joining Technology

Welders have a variety of career opportunities available to them as they can use their skills to build ships, planes, construct buildings, bridges, power plants, and work within many other manufacturing and industrial processes.

Overview

Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Welders work in a variety of industries, from car racing to manufacturing. The difficulty of the weld is determined by its position-horizontal, vertical, overhead, or 6G, circular, as in large pipes, and by the type of metals to be used. Welders and cutters may work outdoors, often in inclement weather, or indoors, sometimes in a confined area which is designed to contain sparks and glare.  About 50% of welders, solderers, and brazers work 40 hours a week, overtime is common, and about 1 out of every 5 welders work 50 or more hours per week. 

Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s Welding and Joining Technology program teaches a variety of welding processes, preparing students for successful careers in the welding industry. With their specialized skillset, welders have a variety of opportunities available to them in industries like construction, engineering, automobile, and aerospace. Welders can apply these skills to a wide variety of industrial and manufacturing processes.  

Programs in the Welding & Joining Technology department can be completed between 1-5 semesters. 

Features

Job Stability & Security Icon
Job Stability & Security

Job growth in this industry is anticipated to continue, but welders who possess competency in the latest technologies or who do not mind relocating are likely to see the best job prospects. 

Staying abreast with the newest developments and technology is important in any field, but especially in technical industries. This will improve your chances of getting ahead in your welding career. 

Little or No Cost to You Icon
Little or No Cost to You

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.

Tuition & Fees Icon
Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Welding & Joining Technology department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $1,532.00 – $7,043.00
  • Books & Supplies*: $100.00 – $500.00

*Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and suppliesCosts are estimated and are subject to change. 

Advancement Opportunities Icon
Advancement Opportunities

If you work hard and perform on the job, you may have the opportunity to advance to become a supervisor, instructor, technician or inspector.  

As the construction industry looks to recruit the next generation of welders, big demand means more work, and with more work comes more opportunity. And as you progress in the craft, the more opportunities there are to climb the ladder and earn a higher income. 

 

Locations

Campuses

Oconee Fall Line Technical College has campuses throughout its 11-county service area. We look forward to your visit.

Dublin Campus (South)
560 Pinehill Road
Dublin, GA 31021
Phone: (478) 275-6589
Sandersville Campus (North)
1189 Deepstep Road
Sandersville, GA 31082
Phone: (478) 553-2050
Jefferson County Center
1257 Warrior Trail
Louisville, GA 30434
Phone: (478) 625-1901

Admissions

Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions!

Admissions Process

 

Your admissions application can be submitted online with your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and takes just a few minutes to complete.   

 

  1. Submit a completed application and application fee. 
  2. Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable. 
  3. Submit official entrance score on a validated assessment instrument, if applicable. Visit the OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its required minimum scores. 
  4. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at https://studentaid.gov/ and HOPE Application at www.GAfutures.org using OFTC School Code: 031555. 

NOTE: The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy. 

General Requirements

 

  1. Be at least 16 years of age.

 

Additional admissions requirements unique to each program are listed on each individual program page in the OFTC Catalog 

Need More Info?

 

  • For more information about any of these programs, contact a program advisor: 
    • 478-553-2113 (Sandersville) 
    • 478-274-7869 (Dublin) 
    • 478-625-1901 (Louisville) 
  • For additional information on admission to OFTC, 
contact the Office of Admissions: 
    • 478-553-2064 (Sandersville)
    • 478-275-6589 (Dublin) 
Apply Today

Learning Format

Students can enter a Welding and Joining Technology program any semester — because when you are ready to start on the path to a new career and change your life, there’s no reason to wait. 

Classes are offered in a variety of formats: on campus, blended, online asynchronous, and synchronous technology.

On Campus Icon
On Campus

These are courses that are taught primarily in the classroom or lab with less than 50% of instruction online. On campus courses may include lecture, labs, internships, clinicals, and other in-person instructional modalities.

Blended Icon
Blended

Blended courses are distance learning courses with the majority of the course content, activities, and interactions occurring online but may require students to come to campus for specific assignments, activities, or events.

Online Asynchronous Icon
Online Asynchronous

These are courses that are taught fully online asynchronously with course content, activities, and interactions occurring entirely online. This delivery method does not require students to be online at a specific date or time, and students may participate in class activities and complete course assignments asynchronously. Online asynchronous courses require proctored events.

Synchronous Technology Icon
Synchronous Technology

OFTC also utilizes synchronous technology to offer courses via distance education means. The course is taught on one campus and then broadcast simultaneously to a classroom on a different campus that is monitored by a class proctor.

Flexible Schedule

We want you to get the most out of college and understand the pressure it adds to your life. At OFTC you can achieve your career goals and fit college into your lifestyle. We offer small class sizes and flexible scheduling.

Courses for our programs are offered during the morning, afternoon, and evenings – plus many are online where you can do your work any time of day.

And the personalized hands-on attention you receive in a small classroom setting allows you to get individualized support, focus and feedback from your instructors. Your instructors will get to know you and help you build the foundation and confidence needed for success in your field.

Apply Today

Paying for College

At OFTC, we realize that many students require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals. We’ll work with you to help you obtain financial aid to assist you in funding your education. We’re committed to helping you find ways to pay for this life-changing investment.  

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt. 

Financial Aid

OFTC offers several financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Most students apply for federal and state aid, including the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship & Grant, and HOPE Career Grant.   

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. 

Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.  

  • 478-553-2131 (Sandersville) 
  • 478-274-7833 or 478-274-7940 (Dublin)
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$
841
M
Georgia awarded over $841 million in scholarships in AY23
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65.2
%
of OFTC students have some form of scholarship in AY23
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$
6.6
M
OFTC students received over $6.6 million in financial assistance in AY23
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93.6
%
of OFTC's students received some form of Financial Aid in AY23

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations. Contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit OFTC’s Financial Aid web page to learn more about grants, scholarships and Federal Work Study to help fund your education.

Contact

Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Welding & Joining Technology department programs range from: 

  • Tuition & Fees*: $1,532.00 – $7,043.00
  • Books & Supplies*: $100.00 – $500.00

*Visit the  OFTC Catalog to view each individual program and its full breakdown of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Costs are estimated and are subject to change. 

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

You can also use the Net Price Calculator to get estimated net price information based on what similar students paid in a previous year. 

Career Outlook

Employment Opportunities

Employers are looking to fill positions with qualified professionals, meaning companies are willing to spend more money to get the skills they need. A welding career can lead to financial security, career advancement and important work in areas around the world. 

BLS.GOV

Welders, cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 

  • 2023 Median Annual Pay: $48,940 
  • Job Outlook: 1% through 2032

What does this mean to you? Welding is a growing career field that is extremely important for industry and construction. And with the advancements made in manufacturing technology and automation, welders are in high- demand, making welding a career with a promising future. 

Learn More
99.9
%
job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY22)
87.8
%
in-field job placement rate for OFTC graduates within the graduation year (AY22)
48.7
%
of OFTC students enrolled are First Generation college students (AY23)

Program Benefits

Skills Learned

 

  • Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and specifications 
  • Calculate and measure the dimensions of parts to be welded 
  • Inspect structures or materials to be welded 
  • Weld materials according to blueprint specifications 
  • Monitor the welding process and adjust heat as necessary 
  • Maintain equipment and machinery 

 Job Titles

 

  • Welder 
  • Assembler and fabricator 
  • Sheet Metal Worker 
  • Pipefitter 
  • Metal Worker

 

Diverse Settings

 

  • Manufacturing 
  • Construction 
  • Agriculture 
  • Specialty trade contractors 
  • Self-employed workers 
  • Repair and maintenance 

Leadership Testimonials

“Welding can be a very lucrative career but requires a lot of time, discipline and consistency. Professional welders have skills and knowledge that only 1 % of the population have, which is why welders will always be in demand and needed. We offer welding courses for 4 of the most common welding processes used in the industry (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Shielded Metal arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux Core Arc Welding).” 

Tony Simmons
OFTC Welding Instructor