City of Refuge training program graduates first class of welders

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - 12 new certified welders walked across the stage on Friday after finishing the City of Refuge and Norfolk Southern’s program to create new tradesmen. Most of these students already have jobs lined up. Others are in the interview process.

Altedrius Evans is part of that graduating class.

“I learned a lot over the course of 10 weeks, I learned about leadership and my community, about being a better welder, a better businessman,” said Evans.

City of Refuge Program Recruiter John McQueen says the class is intensive, seven hours a day, five days a week.

“It’s a 90 percent hands on class, you’re in class at 8:30, by 9 o’clock you’re at your welding station,” said McQueen.

Welding is crucial for a number of industries, from trucking and automotive to airline, construction, and the railroad industry. Norfolk Southern’s Director of Technical Training, Jason Myers, says new welders are needed now more than ever.

“Welding is one of our highest needs positions because we have so many welders reaching retirement age,” said Myers.

Some estimate that for every 10 retiring welders there are only 3 trained to replace them, making welding a high-need trade with a high reward, McQueen shared that starting out, welders can make up to $27 an hour.

“Within three to four years you’re looking at 50 plus dollars an hour and that’s a good living,” said McQueen.

Evans is excited to use these skills and start his career. He says it’s in his blood.

“My grandfather was a welder before he passed away, I just took on the trade because I looked up to him,” said Evans.

Now that he’s certified?

“Oh, he’s watching over me he’s proud of me right now definitely,” said Evans.

The next welding class starts in mid-October and is already full. To apply for later sessions, click here.

City of Refuge is also hosting an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 2:30 pm.

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