Metals Technology
In Georgia high schools, welding and machining are offered as part of the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program, giving students hands-on access to in-demand skilled trades while they’re still in grades 9–12. These pathways fall under the Advanced Manufacturing and Construction clusters.
Welding Pathway:
Students begin with foundational instruction such as Industry Fundamentals & Occupational Safety and Introduction to Metals, where they learn safety practices, basic tools and material handling, and get exposure to both welding and machining concepts. As they progress, classes like Welding I focus on core welding processes (e.g., oxy-fuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding) and interpreting welding symbols to industry standards. Many programs align with national competency standards such as those from AWS and NCCER, and students often have opportunities to earn credentials or register with industry registries before graduating.
Machining Pathway:
Machining courses in high school introduce students to precision manufacturing fundamentals, including manual and computer-controlled (CNC) machine operation, tooling, measurement, and print reading. Students learn how to produce precision parts from metal stock using lathes, mills, and other equipment — skills that feed directly into manufacturing, engineering, and advanced fabrication careers. These classes help students decide whether to further specialize after high school through technical college or apprenticeships.
Academic Integration & Credit:
Georgia’s CTAE pathways, including Welding and Machining Operations, are now part of the CTAE+ initiative, which lets students earn core graduation credit (e.g., math) by completing a sequential pathway. For example, finishing the Welding pathway can satisfy a fourth math credit requirement, helping students meet graduation requirements (TCSG entrance only) while gaining workforce skills at the same time.
Pathway Courses Offered:
Machine Operations +
46.54500 Industry Fundamentals & Occupational Safety
48.58100 Introduction to Metals
48.59100 Machining Operations I
Capstone Experience: WBL Internship
Welding +
46.54500 Industry Fundamentals & Occupational Safety
48.58100 Introduction to Metals
48.55100 Welding I
Capstone Experience: WBL Internship