Georgia's Welding and Joining Technology pathway provides comprehensive training in one of the state's most in-demand skilled trades. With manufacturing facilities, shipbuilding operations, construction projects, and automotive suppliers throughout Georgia, skilled welders command excellent wages and have multiple career pathways.
The program covers multiple welding processes including SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and FCAW (flux-core), along with blueprint reading, metallurgy, and welding inspection. Students develop skills through extensive hands-on practice, working toward AWS (American Welding Society) certifications recognized across all industries.
Georgia's welding programs often partner with local industries to provide students access to advanced equipment and real-world projects. Many programs are housed in dedicated welding facilities with industry-grade equipment, giving students authentic training experiences.
Welding and Joining Technology at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Georgia's Welding pathway standards align with American Welding Society (AWS) requirements and National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum. Programs must provide instruction in multiple welding processes and prepare students for industry-recognized certifications.
Safety is heavily emphasized, with OSHA standards integrated throughout the curriculum. Programs must maintain proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and safety protocols meeting or exceeding industry standards.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Introduction to Welding |
| Welding Technology I |
| Welding Technology II |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NIMS Machining Level 1
- ✓AWS SENSE Entry Level Welder
- ✓AWS SENSE Advanced Welder
- ✓NOCTI Welding
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- ✓Forklift Operator Certification
- ✓Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Structural Welder
Entry LevelSalary range: $41,480 - $56,400
Pipe Welder
ExperiencedSalary range: $41,480 - $56,400
Welding Inspector
ExperiencedSalary range: $41,480 - $56,400
Recent News
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Georgia welding students gain experience through partnerships with manufacturing facilities, steel fabrication shops, construction companies, and automotive suppliers. Many programs offer summer internships and apprenticeship connections.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Georgia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Georgia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Georgia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Georgia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Glossary Terms
Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
AssessmentCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
ProgrammaticCTE Program Approval
CTE program approval is the state-level process through which career and technical education programs are reviewed, authorized, and periodically renewed. Approved status is typically required for programs to receive state and federal CTE funding, count students as CTE participants, and award CTE credits recognized by the state.
OperationalReady to Build Welding and Joining Technology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Welding and Joining Technology in Georgia.