The Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder Technical Certificate of Credit prepares students for careers in the welding and joining industry. This certificate emphasizes arc welding in the flat position and is pre-requisite to the advanced certificate.
Students are accepted into the Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder certificate program every semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 1 semester. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 12 semester credit hours.
Employment Outlook
Career Traits/Requirements
Individuals wanting to enroll in the Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder certificate program must have good eyesight, manual dexterity, hand eye coordination, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply technology to the work environment.
Employment Opportunities
Students who successfully complete the Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder certificate program would be ideal candidates to work for production and repair facilities. Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers. Students interested in furthering their training, education, and seeking possible job advancement could continue on in the Welding and Joining Technology diploma program.
Program Costs
Tuition & Fees: $1,531.00
Books & Supplies: $100.00
(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.
Admission Requirements
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 High School GPA of 2.6 (for occupational programs), or 2.0 for Workforce Entry Level programs, or GED.
The College may accept transfer credit for other courses according to the College’s transfer policy.
Curriculum
Occupational Courses
Program Pathway
Year 1
Semester 1