ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - 12 new certified welders walked across the stage on Friday after finishing the City of Refuge and Norfolk Southern’s program to create new tradesmen. Most of these students already have jobs lined up. Others are in the interview process.

Altedrius Evans is part of that graduating class.

“I learned a lot over the course of 10 weeks, I learned about leadership and my community, about being a better welder, a better businessman,” said Evans.

City of Refuge Program Recruiter John McQueen says the class is intensive, seven hours a day, five days a week.

“It’s a 90 percent hands on class, you’re in class at 8:30, by 9 o’clock you’re at your welding station,” said McQueen.

Welding is crucial for a number of industries, from trucking and automotive to airli

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