Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

4 of the 8 graduates already employed

FORSYTH, Ga. – On July 26, eight residents graduated from the Welding Program at Arrendale Transitional Center (TC), located in Alto, GA. Of the eight graduates, four started work in the welding field on August 1.

“A total of 9 women, to include five from the inaugural class, are now gainfully employed in the welding field,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson. “We are grateful to the agencies who offered these women a second chance, to include Fanella, Atlanta Rod, and Modular Container Systems Inc.” 

Arrendale TC partnered with multiple agencies to make this 12-week program a success; Goodwill of North Georgia’s Career Center hosted the soft skills training every Thursday, North Georgia Technical College provided hands on welding training every Friday, and the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission Workforce Development department obtained the grant that funds the program.

Upon completion, the residents received a Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate from North Georgia Technical College and a Career Readiness Certificate from Goodwill of North Georgia. 

During the program, residents learn filet “T” joint and lap joint welding with the MIG (metal inert gas) welder in the flat, horizontal and vertical positions. They complete Blueprint Reading and Design, and Introduction to Pipe Welding, and obtain experience in setting up the welders and adjusting controls to perform a variety of different situations, temperatures and speeds. They also gain experience with the plasma and oxygen acetylene torches, forklift and shears.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit gdc.ga.gov