Chattanooga State's Economic & Workforce Development Division recently partnered with the Grundy County Sheriff's Office, Southeast Tennessee Development District, and American Job Center to provide welder certification training to justice-involved individuals prior to their release.

Sheriff Clint Shrum of Grundy County identified seven individuals to participate in this first cohort. Local Grundy County High School instructor Robin Dykes taught the 80-hour Introduction to Welding training through Chattanooga State’s Economic & Workforce Development Division. The training featured specific hands-on training to increase the employment opportunities for those in the class. Mr. Dykes applauded the hard work and dedication of all the students who were able to learn basic welding skills for employment. “This is probably the best welding class I have ever had,” states Dykes.

Upon successful completion of the training, all seven of the individuals took the American Welding Society (AWS) Welder Certification Exam and earned their certification. These individuals will now be able to utilize their newly acquired skills and certification for work release opportunities and full-time employment upon being released.

Chattanooga State’s Division of Economic & Workforce Development (EWD) collaborates with business and industry to create and deploy customizable training solutions. For more information, call (423) 697-3100 or visit chattanoogastate.edu/workforce-development.