Welding Graduation at Walker State Prison

Welding Graduation at Walker State Prison

19 Offenders Graduate from Advanced Welding Program

FORSYTH, Ga. -- On February 9, in a ceremony at Walker State Prison, 19 offenders graduated from the facility’s second annual Gas Tungsten Arc Welder Certificate (Advanced Welding) Program. The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) partners with Central Georgia Technical College to offer the certification program to offenders.

“Studies have shown that offenders who receive education while incarcerated are less likely to return to prison,” said Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier. “Our goal is to educate our offenders, to give them a skill and help them re-enter society as successful, productive members.”

Advanced Welding is available to offenders who have successfully completed the Gas Metal Arc Welding Course.  This program provides the offenders with basic knowledge and therories in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Blueprint Reading, and Plasma Arc Cutting.  The students will receive 11 technical college credit hours upong completion of the program.  

Walker State Prison is a Faith and Character Based Prison that provides a two-year curriculum of personal and spiritual growth, as well as, development under the supervision of the program coordinator.  It is designed to give the particiants the skills needed to explore and choose alternatives to criminal thinking and behavior through emphasis on spiritual, moral, and character development. 

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 http://www.gdc.ga.gov.