Welding training program grad begins work

FreshMinistries' free welding training program graduates are starting to get job offers from Atlantic Marine in Jacksonville. The training program was a partnership between FSCJ and FreshMinistries to get underemployed and unemployed Eastside residents into an accelerated, 12-week training course with guaranteed jobs after they graduate as they become available.

One of the program's participants shared his story.

"I thank God for FreshMinistries," said James Bailey (pictured at right), who began work at Atlantic Marine as a welding helper Thursday.

Bailey, who has a wife-to-be, a step daughter and two sons, said he was struggling to support his family because he wasn't making nearly enough money and was only working a few days a week.

"I was making minimum wage two to three days a week and was unhappy at my job," said Bailey.

Bailey was incarcerated at the Rogerson House at River Region in Jacksonville and looked to FreshMinistries for a way to lift himself up. The welding training program gave him the perfect opportunity to revive his previous welding training and get his foot in an employer's door.

"I had been trying to get back into welding for a while, but couldn't afford the training," said Bailey. "This program was very educational and we got to do lots of hands-on learning. Our instructors also made sure we kept going until we got it all right."

As a welding helper at Atlantic Marine, Bailey will have the opportunity to continue his training on-the-job and move up in both position and pay.

"This is a blessing for me."

---