Date Posted: February 28, 2022
In partnership with the Henry County Development Authority, Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) is launching a 100-hour Welding Fundamentals program for inmates at the Henry County Sheriff’s Department who are within six months of being released. The program is being made possible through funding from the Atlanta Regional Commission WorkSource Georgia.
Partners on hand to sign this important agreement were Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett, Phyllis Jackson from the Atlanta Regional Commission, SCTC Vice President for Economic Development Dr. Mark Andrews, and Scott Eidson – Technical College System of Georgia welding instructor.
The training will take place in one of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) mobile welding labs which will be parked on the grounds of the Henry County Jail facility. The class will consist of up to 8 inmates and participants will learn shielded metal arc welding in the horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions as well as safety, proper tool use, fundamentals of welding, and plasma cutting. Upon completion of the course, the inmates will be eligible for the American Welding Society’s certification. Furthermore, the inmates will have the opportunity to interview with area employers to re-enter the workforce with hopes to also reduce recidivism.
Scandrett called the Welding program a “game changer” in that it will allow former inmates the opportunity to earn meaningful skills needed to obtain a job, create upward mobility for themselves, make a positive impact, and ultimately improve their quality of life.
“The Henry County Sheriff’s Office provides certain rehabilitative and educational opportunities through coordinated community resources and programs to prepare inmates for productive citizenship upon return to their communities. We are beyond excited as we progress along, referencing our goals that we started in 2021. Our overall objective is to implant knowledge into the inmates that are here so, when they leave, they’re able to get sustainable income and not return to a life of crime.” Sheriff Scandrett said in a statement.
Dr. Andrews stated, “The upcoming welding class being taught at the Henry County Jail is a positive step in training inmates in a high-demand career field that will not only significantly change their life, but will also improve the lives of their respective families. We look forward to getting this program off the ground and making a difference in the lives of these individuals as well as this community.”