Pathway Overview

Welding is a pathway that provides hands-on learning opportunities for students who are interested in welding, welding fabrication, and construction. Topics covered in the courses include the history of metalworking, safety, welding practices and processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW), hand and power tools, construction drawings, oxy fuel torch operation, and so much more!  There are also many project-based activities in the courses offered in the Welding Program. There is also an opportunity for students to take advantage of the dual enrollment program through Athens Technical College right here on our Greene County College and Career Academy. 

Required Courses

• 46.54500 Industry Fundamentals & Occupational Safety
• 48.58100 Introduction to Metals
• 48.55100 Welding I

Dual Enrollment Courses

• 46.0B084 COFC 1080 - Construction Trades Core
• 48.0A744 WELD 1005 - Welding and Cutting Fundamentals
• 48.0A774 WELD 1015 - Shielded Metal Arc Welding I

Instructor

I am William Thompson, the Welding Instructor at Greene College and Career Academy. The 2022-23 school year is my 5th year as an educator in the Greene County School System, and I have been teaching since 2015.  I earned a welding certificate from South Georgia Technical College in 2000. I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Troy University and a Master of Science  Degree in Adult & Career Education from Valdosta State University. 

Before becoming an educator, I spent 15 years in the field of industrial construction. I worked for many contractors and traveled the southeastern United States working as a welder. Then, I became a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) through the American Welding Society. I worked for The Southern Company as a Mechanical Coordinator, as well as a Start Up & Commissioning Coordinator in Meridian, MS. My responsibilities were the supervision of contractor installation of piping on Ammonia Scrubbers, COS Hydrolysis Reactors, and Heat Exchangers, among other things.