The GACTC welding diploma program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for performing the most common types of welding. The need for skilled welders is increasing as virtually all construction and manufacturing companies require some form of welding from the production of assemblies to maintenance and repair.
GET THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO SHINE
Welding is a method of joining materials by applying heat, pressure, or both with or without filler metal, to produce a permanent fusion.
Students obtain experience in the following areas to achieve a sufficient skill level to acquire entry-level employment:
- oxyacetylene welding
- brazing
- oxy-fuel cutting (both hand and machine operated)
- air carbon and plasma arc cutting
- shielded metal arc welding
- gas tungsten arc welding
- flux cored arc welding
- gas metal arc welding
- print reading
- practical math for welders
- welding certification preparation
- welding metallurgy
Blueprint reading and math are an integral part of this program to ensure our graduates may be successful in many welding environments. The program emphasizes the importance of good workmanship, professionalism, and work ethic. The 800-hour program is comprised of 670 hours of welding, 60 hours of print reading, 60 hours of math, and 10 hours of a career readiness course.
From the May 2024 graduating class, 87% of the graduates secured employment in welding positions. Graduates of the Welding diploma program have been employed at local facilities including:
- Curry
- JLG
- McLanahan Corporation
“I was really lucky to be able to get an internship job through the GACTC. The internship gave me the chance to show my skills to get hired full-time.
Student Testimonial:
Welding
Training Students on
Our Robotic Welder
POSSIBLE CERTIFICATIONS
- American Welding Society (AWS) certifications, including GMAW 2G, SMAW 3G, and FCAW 3G
- OSHA 10-hour Certification
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Estimated Tuition & Fees for 2024-2025:
$13,470.00*
*Includes an optional laptop. If laptop is not needed through the GACTC, the cost of the laptop is deducted from the fees. Please see the program flyer to view detailed tuition and fees.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, this program is approved through the Eligible Training Providers List. Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for financial assistance through their local CareerLink office. Please contact your local CareerLink office for assistance.
Hours:
800
Schedule:
August 2025 through May 2026, primarily Monday – Thursday, 3:15 – 8:45 p.m. Contact the Continuing Education Office at (814) 941-8324 with questions!
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Please contact us to schedule a tour and to meet with a career counselor to discuss your career goals and this program. Complete this short form to request more information and to schedule a tour, or call us at 814.941.TECH.
We welcome your application to the program.
