The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) unveiled the first of four mobile welding labs for an inaugural tour at the Georgia State Capitol. The labs are equipped with six, state-of-the-art welding booths, virtual welders, and other instructional resources that will allow local colleges to better serve industry needs and meet workforce demands.  

“Georgia’s Governor and the General Assembly understand that a skilled workforce is essential to business and industry success in our state,” said Matt Arthur, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. “Their support of this project and of TCSG allows us the opportunity to be creative and responsive to industry needs. We brought the first mobile welding lab to the Capitol to show them our appreciation for championing technical education in Georgia.”

In response to the critical welder shortage in Georgia, TCSG received a special funding initiative in support of four mobile welding labs. Designed with accessibility in mind, the labs lay the foundation for an innovative approach to short-term training needs of business and industry across the state.

“Our colleges don’t always have resources immediately available to respond to growing demands,” said TCSG Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development, Laura Gammage. “These shared mobile welding labs will allow us to be more nimble and responsive in meeting community needs. These short-term programs are great pathways to long-term careers and the individuals going through training in these labs will come out with valuable skills and industry-recognized certifications.”

The labs provide the ability to customize programs with flexible schedules in order to meet specific industry needs. The labs will be available to TCSG’s 22 colleges around the state to support short-term training needs.

After visiting the Capitol, the mobile welding lab will roll out to a TCSG college for temporary duty. The remaining three labs, arriving this summer, will be assigned around the state as opportunities present themselves.