Welding & Joining Technology

The welding program at DeKalb Technical College is one of the most modern training facilities in the state of Georgia. We strive to keep up with modern day industry standards. If you like working with your hands, building things and don't mind getting dirty, the DeKalb Technical College Welding Program is where you need to get your training. The Welding and Joining program is a sequence of courses that will provide opportunities to develop academic, occupational and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. The majority of the welding program is hands-on in the lab.

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Ten reasons to enroll in one of DeKalb Tech's welding and joining programs:

1. By the year 2010…there will be a shortage of an estimated half a million welders.
2. The average age of welders is 53 - many will retire soon leaving openings
3. Welders can make six figures without going into debt at the expense of a degree
4. Even after technical training a student can obtain additional training with pay and credit that will count toward college credit which could amount to as much as 32 credits!
5. Students can HONESTLY retire in about 20 to 30 years with benefits (annuities, 401-k)
   
6. Students can branch into different areas of welding because it touches other occupations such as welding engineering, metallurgy, welding inspection. It can be done on dry land, in space, and underwater.
7. The Hope and PELL grant can help pay for tuition for those who qualify.
8. Employment opportunities are numerous
9. Apprenticeship programs are available and the employment outlook is outstanding due to the demand for welders as well as skilled workers in general.
10. Average salary range is $26,000 to $59,000

Program Specific Information                  Welding & Joining Faculty
Welding and Joining Diploma

Technical Certificates of Credit
(Click on link for course specifics)
Oxyfuel Technician
Students learn about the safe use of oxygen and acetylene cutting and welding.
Gas Metal Arc Welder (GMAW) Technician
MIG welding is an important part of industry. We teach students to MIG weld in all positions and on many different materials.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welder (GTAW) Technician
Heli-Arc, which is an old industry definition for TIG welding, is a precision form of fabrication. Students will learn to weld aluminum, stainless steel and carbon steel using the TIG process.
Flat Shielded Metal Arc Welder
Students are introduced to SMAW in the flat position, safety while using DC power sources, general shop safety and oxy-fuel cutting. This is also known as ARC or Stick welding.
Pipe Welder
This class will take the average welder to a higher level of fabrication. Our students learn to weld pipe of various sizes, in all positions and with all forms of the welding process. Pipe welders are in high demand. We have partnered with The Industrial Company (TIC) to train pipe welders, fabricators and welders in general. TIC is a large construction company that is constantly looking for qualified personnel to fill positions around the country and the world.
Ornamental Iron Worker
This new class at DeKalb Tech will focus on the student learning how to build decorative metal sculptures, handrails, stairwells and all ornamental types of iron work.