Board Feature: Brighter Futures: Welding Bootcamp
By: Heather Feldman, Executive Director, Georgia Mountains Regional Commission
Georgia Mountains Regional Commission’s (GMRC) Workforce Development; hereinafter referred to as WorkSource Georgia Mountains (WSGM), in collaboration with Hall County Salvation Army and Good News at Noon Ministries, launched a three-week program aimed at empowering persons experiencing homelessness. This program offered comprehensive welding training to equip participants with essential skills and enhance their employment prospects. The program utilized a mobile welding lab provided by Workforce Innovators of America, stationed at the premises of Good News at Noon, to eliminate the transportation barrier. Both Good News at Noon and Hall County Salvation Army contributed classroom space and computer access, ensuring participants had a conducive learning environment. This collaboration underscores a commitment to leveraging resources and expertise across multiple community organizations.
Participants underwent training and earned certifications in high-demand fields. These included American Welding Society certifications, Forklift operation certifications, CPR certifications, and OSHA-10 safety certifications. The comprehensive skill set aims to equip participants with technical proficiency and essential workplace safety knowledge. Beyond technical training, the initiative included support for resume preparation and job interview skills through the Technical College System of Georgia’s Business Services Unit. Additionally, collaboration with the Georgia Department of Labor provides insights into the Federal Bonding Program, enhancing employment prospects for participants with backgrounds.
WSGM was instrumental in ensuring the program’s success by connecting stakeholders, providing essential resources and support to participants (such as covering tuition, offering supportive services, mentoring, and case management), and overseeing the effective implementation of the project.
Three weeks after the class, 6 out of 8 participants completed their training program. Two out of these 6 participants secured employment in their respective fields, which is a great outcome. There’s been a notable increase in interest in the program among the homeless community, indicating its positive reception and potential impact. The Boys and Girls Club stepped in to support a single-parent father during the summer, which helped eliminate a barrier to teen care. This support enables the father to search for a job and remain in stable housing at the Salvation Army. These accomplishments show significant progress and impact in both training outcomes and community support.
The Building Futures program directly supports GMRC’s vision for economic development and improved quality of life by equipping students with valuable welding skills, which in turn contributes to economic vitality by increasing their employability and earning potential. Additionally, by enhancing the skills of marginalized individuals, GMRC supports a more inclusive economy, where all community members can contribute meaningfully. The initiative facilitated collaboration among different stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, and educational institutions. By working together to provide training and job opportunities, GMRC promoted cooperation and open communication, which are essential for realizing its vision of a region that values diverse communities and resources. Additionally, GMRC aims to improve the quality of life in the region, and this program contributes to this goal by offering individuals a way out of homelessness through meaningful employment and economic stability. It supports sustainability by tapping into human potential, thus preserving and enhancing the region’s social and economic resources for future generations.
The Building Futures program targets homeless individuals, who often face significant barriers to employment. The course offers a pathway out of homelessness and toward economic stability through training and gaining sustainable employment. This not only enhances their quality of life but also contributes to the overall well-being of the region. The program’s collaborative nature fosters a sense of community and collective effort, which are essential for its success and the broader goal of economic development and quality of life improvement.
By providing training and pathways to employment for this group, the program expands the labor pool, making it more inclusive. This inclusivity is crucial for sustaining a competitive advantage, as it ensures a broader range of talents and perspectives in the workforce. Aligned with GMRC’s vision of valuing diverse communities and resources, the program promotes cooperation, open communication, and a shared commitment to economic and social enhancement.
Heather J. Feldman
Executive Director
Whitney Blair
Workforce Development Director and Project Lead