Pipe Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Program Overview

The Pipe Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technical Certificate of Credit program provides instruction in the theory and skills necessary to secure entry level employment in the pipe welding industry. Areas of instruction include an introduction to welding technology, mathematics, oxyfuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding, advanced shielded metal arc welding, preparation for industrial qualification and pipe welding.

Students are accepted into the Pipe Shielded Metal Arc Welding certificate program every semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 3 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 35 semester credit hours.

Career Traits/Requirements

Individuals wanting to enroll in the Pipe Shielded Metal Arc Welding certificate program must have good eyesight, manual dexterity, hand eye coordination, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply technology to the work environment.

Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode

• North Campus (Sandersville)
• South Campus (Dublin)
• Jefferson County Center

Program Costs

Tuition & Fees:  $4,493.00
Books & Supplies:  $250.00
(Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)

HOPE Career Grant:
The HOPE Career Grant, formerly known as the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them.

To qualify, an OFTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of the above programs and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term. The amount of the HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:

• 9 or more credit hours – $500/semester
• 3-8 credit hours – $250/semester
• 1-2 credit hours – $125/semester
• Commercial Truck Driving – $1,000 one time award

High School students in dual enrollment and joint enrollment are NOT eligible.

Employment Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the Pipe Shielded Metal ARC Welding certificate program would be ideal candidates to work for construction and repair facilities. Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers.

Admission Requirements

• Submit a completed application and application fee;
• Be at least 16 years of age;
• Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
• OFTC may accept a student’s official entrance score on the following validated assessment instruments if the scores meet the required minimums: COMPASS/ASSET, SAT, ACT, PSAT, PACT, Accuplacer/Accuplacer Next Generation/Companion, HOPE GPA after completion of 10th grade of 2.6 or higher or GED.