Georgia Northwestern Technical College officials say the college’s Welding and Joining Technology program continues to see strong demand as manufacturers and industrial employers across Northwest Georgia search for skilled workers to fill critical positions.
The program, offered at GNTC’s campuses in Rome, Cedartown, Rock Spring and Dalton, prepares students for careers in a field that college leaders say offers strong job placement rates, competitive starting salaries and long-term career opportunities.
“If you like to build or create something with your hands that you can be proud of, Welding and Joining Technology is definitely the field for you,” said Billy Brown, Welding and Joining Technology instructor at GNTC.
The diploma program typically takes between 18 and 24 months to complete and provides training in multiple forms of welding, including MIG, TIG, Shielded Metal Arc and Flux Core welding. Students also receive instruction in fabrication, pipe welding, structural plate welding, blueprint reading, safety procedures and working with metals such as aluminum and stainless steel.
Program leaders say industry demand for welders remains extremely high throughout the region.
Jeremiah Cooper, program director of Welding and Joining Technology at GNTC, said more than 300 students have been placed into industry jobs since 2015, with many employers directly contacting the college seeking graduates or students nearing completion of the program.
“We have an open line of communication with employers,” Cooper said. “Several alumni of the program have leadership roles with area companies, so that helps build the relationships.”
Area employers including Astec Industries, Komatsu, Miller Industries, Scenic City Mechanical and Textron Inc. have contacted the college seeking workers to fill open positions.
Welding is also recognized as part of the Technical College System of Georgia’s High Demand Career Initiative, which highlights occupations that offer above-average entry-level wages and play a critical role in Georgia’s economy.
According to Cooper, most graduates last year earned starting salaries between $55,000 and $65,000 annually, while instructor Brandon Johnson said many graduates report beginning wages between $23 and $28 per hour with overtime opportunities available.
Former students say the program helped prepare them for successful careers in the workforce.
“I enjoy how unique and creative it can be at times along with the difficult challenges,” said Cory Lewis, now a welder and fabricator for Komatsu America Corp. in Chattanooga. Lewis credited GNTC instructors with teaching him the fundamentals needed to enter the workforce.
Yosdel Castaneda, who graduated from the program in 2024, said her salary doubled after being hired for a full-time position at Astec Industries in Chattanooga.
“I love that Welding is hands-on and challenging,” Castaneda said. “I’m always learning something new.”
College officials say the skills learned through welding training can lead graduates into a variety of professions beyond traditional welding jobs, including careers in fabrication, machining, plumbing, pipe fitting, maintenance, supervision and inspection work.
“Today is the best time to get into Welding,” Cooper said. “Wages are higher than they have ever been, and there are more opportunities now than ever.”