| What is a Welder? |
A welder joins metal parts through coalescence (melting base metal and filler material); fills seams and holes of metal components; follows sketches, blueprints and specifications; follows and maintains knowledge of safety protocol; lays out, fits and fabricates metal components to assemble structural forms using knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering requirements. Some welders analyze engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations where procedural information is unavailable. |
| Diploma and Certificates |
- Welding and Joining Technology, Diploma
- Gas Metal Arc Welder, Certificate
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welder, Certificate
- Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder, Certificate
- Flux Cored Arc Welder, Certificate
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| Prerequisite Courses |
- Students can be provisionally accepted to the Welding diploma program, but must complete all learning support courses before taking the diploma level General Education courses required to graduate from this diploma program. For specific prerequisites please refer to the course descriptions in the online catalog.
- Students must attend a welding orientation session, purchase all PPE and books before registering for welding classes.
- FYES 1000
- WELD 1000
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| Semester Program Begins |
Fall and spring semesters |
| Application Process |
Applicants to the Welding and Joining Technology diploma program must meet all admission requirements; complete an application and pay the application fee. Individuals apply to Gwinnett Technical College at GwinnettTech.edu, submit all transcripts from high school and previous college work, and take the ACCUPLACER test, if required. |
| Program Deadlines |
You may enter in the fall or spring terms. |
| For more information, contact: |
Steve Jessup, program director, SJessup@GwinnettTech.edu, 678.226.6763. |
| For admission and enrollment, contact: |
Enrollment Support Center in Building 100 at the Lawrenceville campus, or Building A at the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, or email ECMDTeam@GwinnettTech.edu. |
Quick Facts
(This data was compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.)
| 2023 Median pay |
$48,940 per year / $23.53 per hour |
| Entry level education |
Associate degree, Diploma, Certificate |
| Number of jobs, 2022 |
431,800 |
| Job growth, 2022 - 2034 |
1% |
Nature of the Work
Welders join metals using a variety of techniques and processes. Welders melt the base metal and filler material to join all metal into one piece (coalescence). Welding processes are typically determined by the type and thickness of metal being joined. Welders are also trained on various cutting and brazing techniques.
Work Environment
Welders may work in fabrication shops, factories, or in the field as structural installers or pipe line installers. Environments vary from climate controlled work areas to harsh outside weather conditions. Some welders are self-employed while others work for very small shops to large factory welding departments.
Employment
Employment of welders is expected to grow at a rate of 1% from 2022-2032. There is a large numbers of welders expected to retire during that time period.
Earnings
The median annual wage for 2023 was $48,940 per year.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers on the internet.
Gwinnett Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Lisa Richardson, Title IX, and Section 504 Coordinator, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 100, Room 407, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, 678-226-6691, LRichardson@GwinnettTech.edu.
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