Instruction covers basic technical skills of welding. A combination of classroom lectures with demonstrations and lab instruction that includes practical hands-on exercises to give employable skills to the students. Students will prepare for AWS certification testing upon successful competency achievement. See instructor for details.

*Information technology proficiency is not required.

To be considered for acceptance into the Welding program, interested individuals must:

• be a minimum of 17 years of age upon entering the program
• submit application form and fee
• submit official high school transcript, or GED/HiSET certificate
• contact FTC Financial Aid Office
• Attend orientation session prior to class start date

Step 1

Submit Application with Fee to Franklin Technology Center

In order to be considered for admission into Franklin Technology Center, the first step in the process is to receive an application packet and complete the following:

• Read the program sheet
• Review program cost sheet and keep a copy (Important: The school reserves the right to adjust program tuition and fees prior to the start of the program.)
• Complete & sign application form
• Return signed application form, consent forms if applicable, and non-refundable $25 application fee to the address below or submitted online at franklintechnologycenter.com.

Step 2

Transcripts

Once Step 1 is completed, provide the following:

• Official high school or GED/HiSET transcripts. It is your responsibility to request your transcript from the High School you graduated from or the state you received your GED/HiSET from. Please have requested copies mailed to:

Franklin Technology Center

810 S Wall Ave

Joplin, MO 64801

Step 3

Contact Financial Aid

• All applicants must make initial contact with the Financial Aid Coordinator, even if not planning to use financial aid monies to pay for the program. The Financial Aid Coordinator may be reached at 417-680-0004, ext. 2062.
• The FAFSA must be completed online at student aid website. Call the Financial Aid Coordinator at 417-680-0004, ext. 2062 if assistance is needed in completing the FAFSA.
• If a previous loan that was in default status, and the requirements to take care of the default status as been completed, a letter from the State Department of Education confirming that the loan is no longer in default status MUST be provided. Failure to do so will result in the application being removed from the applicant pool.

Step 4

Acceptance into Program 

• The Program Coordinator will contact applicants if an entrance examination is required, if not a letter of acceptance will be received.
   

Step 5

Orientation

All students will be required to attend orientation prior to the first day of class. Students will be contacted regarding program-specific orientation date, time and location after acceptance.

Please direct all correspondence and inquiries to:

Franklin Technology Center

810 S. Wall Avenue

Joplin, MO 64801

Telephone: 417-680-0004

Fax: 417-680-0005

*Disclaimer: The programs and courses require a minimum number of students in order for the classes to be offered.

• Basic Safety in the Welding Lab
• Blueprint Reading
• Gas Metal Arc Welding
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
• Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum Welding
• Introduction to Material Science
• Differential Diagnosis and Repair
• Layout and Fit Up
• Operating Drill Presses, Grinders, and Power Saws
• Performing Bench Work
• Plasma Arc Cutting
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• Project Fabrication

Entry Level Employment Opportunities

• Fabrication
• Manufacturing
• Construction

We offer 4 different Welding processes which includes:

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) 
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick Welding)
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

* Instruction subject to change, as determined by FTC.

Quality classroom instruction combined with sound shop experience is provided during the 9 month Welding program.

Areas of Study*:

• Basic Safety in the Welding Lab
• Blueprint Reading
• Gas Metal Arc Welding
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
• Steel, Stainless Steel and Aluminum Welding
• Introduction to Material Science
• Differential Diagnosis and Repair
• Layout and Fit Up
• Operating Drill Presses, Grinders, and Power Saws
• Performing Bench Work
• Plasma Arc Cutting
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• Project Fabrication

Summary of Classes*:

• Welding Safety
• Cutting Processes
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• GMAW & FCAW Welding Processes
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

*Curriculum subject to change as determined by FTC.

*Program information subject to change.

Welding (Fall) Calendar 2025-26

Welding (Spring) Calendar 2025-26

Kyle Daggett - Welding Instructor

Education: Graduated from the FTC Welding program in 2007.

Kyle Daggett has traveled as a Millwright using his Welding background installing equipment and piping around the United States for well known companies such as Anheuser-Busch as well as expanding his Welding and Fabrication skills locally.

His hobbies include fishing and attending airsoft events across the country in his free time.

Nathan Fent: Welding Program Coordinator

Phone: 417-680-0004 ext. 2063

Fax: 417-680-0005

Email: nathanfent@joplinschools.org

$9,096.00

AWS- Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum Package    $200

Academic Resources Total $200.00

*Subject to change

$1,620.00

$10,916.00