Oconee Fall Line Technical College

Welding and Joining Technology

South Campus
Diploma
Welding and Joining Technology
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Classes are held on campus with hands-on instruction.
Request Information
Contact school for details
$0
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Welding and Joining Technology is a Diploma program offered by Oconee Fall Line Technical College in Dublin, GA.

Program Overview

Overview

Welding is the primary method of permanently joining metal parts by melting and fusing them together using heat. It’s a skill-driven trade that requires precision, technique, and adaptability. Welders may work in a variety of environments—outdoors in all weather conditions or indoors in confined spaces designed to contain sparks and glare.

The complexity of the work can vary depending on:

  • The position of the weld (horizontal, vertical, overhead, or 6G pipe welding)
  • The types of metals being fused
  • The specific requirements of each industry

OFTC’s Welding and Joining Technology program offers hands-on training in a variety of welding techniques and processes, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in the welding profession. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in high-demand fields such as:

Admission Requirements and Process

Admissions Process

Your admissions application can be submitted online with your $25.00 non-refundable application fee and takes just a few minutes to complete.

General Requirements

Be at least 16 years of age.

General Requirements

  • Submit a completed application and application fee.
  • Submit official high school transcript, GED transcript, or official college transcripts, if applicable.
  • Submit official entrance score on a validated assessment instrument, if applicable. Visit the OFTC Catalog Program Page to view each individual program and its required minimum…
  • Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and HOPE applications online using OFTC School Code: 031555.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Submit Application
    Complete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
  2. 2
    Submit Transcripts
    Provide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
  3. 3
    Financial Aid
    Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.
    Complete FAFSA Application
  4. 4
    Enrollment
    Once accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.

Program Schedule

Program Length

Programs in the Welding & Joining Technology department can be completed in 1–5 semesters.

Flexible Schedule

Courses for our programs are offered during the morning, afternoon, and evenings – plus many are online where you can do your work any time of day.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • December 24th, 2026
  • December 25th, 2026
  • December 28th, 2026
  • December 29th, 2026
  • December 30th, 2026

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Tuition Rate
$107 / credit hr
Charged per credit hour — not a program total.

Little or No Cost to You

With the Pell Grant, Georgia’s HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and HOPE Career Grant (for students/programs who qualify) and other scholarship opportunities, many students graduate OFTC with little to no debt.

Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Welding & Joining Technology department programs range from<:

  • Tuition & Fees*: $1,532.00 – $7,043.00
  • Books & Supplies*: $100.00 – $500.00

Financial Aid

OFTC offers several financial aid opportunities that can help you pay for college. Most students apply for federal and state aid, including the Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship & Grant, and HOPE Career Grant.

OFTC students can also apply for scholarships through the OFTC Foundation and various businesses and civic-sponsored organizations.

Tuition & Fees

With tuition at $107 per credit hour, total costs for Welding & Joining Technology department programs range from:

  • Tuition & Fees*: $1,532.00 – $7,043.00
  • Books & Supplies*: $100.00 – $500.00

Career Outcomes

Fuel industry. Forge opportunity. Shape your future.

Welders are in high demand across diverse industries—building everything from ships and aircraft to skyscrapers, bridges, and power plants. With specialized skills, welders play a critical role in manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and more.

Job Stability & Security

Job growth in this industry is anticipated to continue, but welders who possess competency in the latest technologies or who do not mind relocating are likely to see the best job prospects.

Advancement Opportunities

If you work hard and perform on the job, you may have the opportunity to advance to become a supervisor, instructor, technician or inspector.

As the construction industry looks to recruit the next generation of welders, big demand means more work, and with more work comes more opportunity. And as you progress in the craft, the more opportunities there are to climb the ladder and earn a higher income.

Career Outlook

Employers need skilled welders, so these positions offer strong earning potential, career growth, and opportunities to work on important projects worldwide.

Job Titles

  • Welder
  • Assembler and fabricator
  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Pipefitter
  • Metal Worker

What to expect as a Oconee Fall Line Technical College student

Programs in the Welding & Joining Technology department can be completed in 1–5 semesters.

The Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder Technical Certificate of Credit is a continuation of the basic certificate. The advanced program provides instruction in shielded metal arc welding in the overhead, horizontal, and vertical positions.

The Flux Cored Arc Welder Technical Certificate of Credit introduces students to and provides instruction in flux cored arc welding practices. Topics include an introduction to the welding industry, oxyfuel cutting techniques, and flux cored arc welding practices.

The Gas Metal Arc Welder (GMAW) Technical Certificate of Credit prepares students for welding careers using the GMAW process. Topics include an introduction to welding technology, oxyfuel cutting techniques, and GMAW welding techniques and processes.

Gallery
Thumb 1
Thumb 2
Thumb 3
Thumb 4
Thumb 5
Thumb 6
Thumb 7
Thumb 8
Thumb 9
Thumb 10
Thumb 11
Thumb 12

Frequently Asked Questions

toggle visibility of menu
settings Quicklinks Bookstore Calendar Campus Directory Campus Resources CTD Class Schedule News Online/Distance Education Financial Aid Forms & Procedures Job Listings Library Resources & Hours MSDS Online Records Request Safety and Security Salon Services Technical Support MyOFTC Apply Now
How do I apply for financial aid?
settings How do I apply for financial aid? Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Renewal FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/. It is recommended that students and parents use the IRS data retrieval tool available to the FAFSA website. In order to use this tool, taxes need to be filed 3 weeks prior to the completion of the FAFSA. To apply for HOPE Grant or Scholarship only, complete a HOPE application at www.GAfutures.org. What is Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s school code? OFTC school code is 031555. Do I have to apply for financial aid each semester? No. You apply for Financial Aid once a year. All students must apply for Financial Aid for Fall Semester, which starts at the end of August, regardless of which semester you start. The Financial Aid year runs from July 1st through June 30th.
What is Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s school code?
OFTC school code is 031555.
Do I have to apply for financial aid each semester?
No. You apply for Financial Aid once a year. All students must apply for Financial Aid for Fall Semester, which starts at the end of August, regardless of which semester you start. The Financial Aid year runs from July 1st through June 30th.
What does it mean if I was selected for verification?
The U.S. Department of Education selects who is chosen for verification. Verification is the process where the information provided on the FAFSA is compared to the forms and documents submitted by the student. The Department of Education randomly selects applications for verification. The student must provide the Financial Aid Office with the requested documents. Financial aid will not be awarded until the verification process is complete. It is important that all documents requested be submitted to the financial aid portal at oftc.verifymyfafsa.com.
Will I need to fill out any additional forms or provide any type of documentation after I’ve completed the FAFSA?
If the Financial Aid Office needs additional documentation or forms completed, you will receive an email or text.
Why am I not considered an independent student, if I live on my own and my parents do not help me, nor do they claim me on their tax returns?
The U.S. Department of Education asks several questions in Step 3 of the FAFSA to determine if a student will be considered an independent student or dependent student for federal financial aid purposes. If you cannot answer YES to at least one of these questions, you must include your parent’s, including adoptive parents and step-parents’ information, if applicable. You cannot use grandparents’ or other relatives’ information even if you live with them. If you have any questions concerning your dependency status, please contact the Financial Aid Office on either our North Campus (Sandersville) or South Campus (Dublin).
How will I find out what type of Financial Aid I am eligible for?
You will receive an award letter via email, which will tell you what type of Financial Aid you are eligible for, or you may go online and logon to your SOAR student account to check your financial aid eligibility. SOAR gives students access to their personal and academic information via the internet. SOAR gives students the ability to view their financial aid information, account balances, holds, schedules, transcript, grades, etc. You can access SOAR by logging into your student account via myOFTC.
How can I find out my financial aid status, if I’ve already sent my FAFSA application in several months ago and have not heard anything?
First, check your student account (SOAR) to determine if the college has received your application or if additional documents are needed. If the college has not received your application, you should go on-line to https://studentaid.gov/ to check to see if the OFTC school code is listed on your FAFSA. If not, you will need to add the school code
What is the drop/add period?
The first three days of the semester are considered the drop/add period. During these three days, you are allowed to drop or add class(es) without penalty to your financial aid.
What will happen to my financial aid if I want to drop a class(es) after the drop/add period?
Dropping classes could possibly result in a reduction of your Pell Grant, which may result in you owing money to the college. You could also possibly be put on Financial Warning or Suspension if you drop a class(es). If you are considering dropping a class, please stop by your Financial Aid Office to see how this will affect your financial aid.
What is the difference between Financial Aid Warning and Financial Aid Suspension?
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below the minimum, his/her financial aid is endangered. A student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for the following term of attendance and may receive financial aid during the term placed on warning. A student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension for failure to meet the cumulative requirement of at least 2.0 GPA by the end of the term placed on warning. Students placed on Financial Aid Suspension are ineligible to receive any source of financial aid until cumulative minimum requirements have been met.
What does 67% completion rate mean?
Students must complete 67% of course work attempted. All hours attempted at OFTC plus all transfer hours accepted by OFTC are counted to determine the completion rate. A student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning during the following term of attendance if he/she fails to complete this minimum percentage. The student will be eligible for financial aid during the term(s) placed on Financial Aid Warning. However, if the student fails to reach 67% cumulative requirement during the term(s) place on Financial Aid Warning, he/she will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and will be ineligible for any state or federal aid until the minimum completion rate of 67% has been attained.
How do I obtain a FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID?
The FSA ID has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. To create a FSA ID you will create a username and password. YOUR FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents. You can create a FSA ID, when logging into fafsa.gov, StudentLoans.gov. or go to https://studentaid.gov/. You can use your FSA ID to sign a FAFSA right away. Once the Social Security Administration verifies your information in 1-3 days, or if you have linked your PIN to your FSA ID, you will be able to use your FSA ID to access the websites listed above.
Should I be concerned if I have a balance on my account the first day of class?
No. All students will show a positive balance on their account the first few weeks of class. Afterwards, if you are due a refund you will see a negative balance. This negative balance is the amount of your Pell refund.

School Information

Oconee Fall Line Technical College
oftc.edu

Campus Location

South Campus
560 Pinehill Road
Dublin, GA 31021
Ready to get started?
Apply to Welding and Joining Technology at South Campus.
Welding and Joining Technology