Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Georgia Piedmont Technical College – Clarkston, GA

Program Information

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is a public technical college located in Clarkston, Georgia, serving metro Atlanta and surrounding areas including DeKalb, Newton, and Rockdale counties. As part of the Technical College System of Georgia, GPTC offers career-focused education designed to align with state workforce priorities and local industry demand. The college provides a wide range of associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, including several skilled trade pathways that combine classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory training.

Automotive Technology programs at Georgia Piedmont are structured to prepare students for entry-level roles in vehicle service and maintenance. Available credentials include Automotive Fundamentals certificates, Automotive Technology diplomas, and associate degree options. Coursework emphasizes system-based diagnostics, mechanical and electrical systems, engine performance, braking systems, steering and suspension, and routine vehicle maintenance. Students gain experience using industry-standard diagnostic tools while following proper safety procedures and repair documentation practices.

The Welding and Joining Technology program focuses on foundational welding skills used in fabrication, construction, and industrial environments throughout the metro Atlanta region. Students receive instruction in welding safety, measurement, layout, and material preparation, along with hands-on training in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes. Course content includes joint design, heat control, and welding technique, with additional exposure to blueprint reading and fabrication fundamentals.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning programs at GPTC prepare students to work with residential and commercial climate control systems. Instruction covers system components, electrical fundamentals, airflow principles, controls, and basic refrigeration concepts. Students learn installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance techniques commonly used by HVAC technicians in Georgia’s residential and light commercial settings.

Electrical and Plumbing programs at Georgia Piedmont emphasize the installation, maintenance, and repair of building systems found in residential and commercial properties. Electrical coursework introduces wiring methods, circuitry fundamentals, and safety practices, while Plumbing instruction focuses on piping systems, fixtures, venting concepts, and installation procedures. These programs are designed to provide a practical foundation for entry-level employment and continued technical training.

Program Length

Program length varies by trade and credential type. Some certificate programs can be completed in as little as one semester, while diploma programs typically require multiple semesters of study. Associate degree pathways generally take closer to two years to complete, depending on course sequencing, enrollment status, and whether a student attends full-time or part-time.

Program Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Submission of an application for admission to Georgia Piedmont Technical College
• Placement testing or approved exemptions based on prior coursework or qualifying scores, when required
• Ability to meet physical and safety requirements associated with hands-on lab instruction
• Additional program-specific requirements may apply depending on the trade

Georgia Piedmont Technical College participates in state workforce funding initiatives such as the HOPE Career Grant, which may cover full tuition for eligible diploma and certificate programs. Students are typically responsible for fees, books, tools, and required materials.

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