Norfolk Southern, City of Refuge open welding training center to grow jobs in Atlanta

The opening of the Atlanta nonprofit’s training center is a major milestone in empowering local workforce development. 

Representatives from City of Refuge and Norfolk Southern gather at the opening of the City of Refuge Welding Training Center in Atlanta

Why it matters: Welding is a high-demand trade that offers strong wages, long-term growth, and a vital entry point into the broader skilled trades pipeline. These trades remain essential to our nation’s infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction industries. By focusing on welding, the center helps address both local labor shortages and regional workforce needs. 

How it came together: Through a $350,000 grant, NS helped fund the construction and launch of the state-of-the-art facility. The opening is part of Norfolk Southern’s ongoing partnership with City of Refuge and reflects our broader commitment to supporting economic mobility in Atlanta. 

Zoom in: Aside from hands-on training and welding certification, participants receive comprehensive support through City of Refuge’s wraparound services, including transportation assistance, career coaching, and job placement support. These resources help individuals overcome barriers to employment and take meaningful steps toward sustainable careers. The Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, Georgia, will provide certification and curriculum guidance during the center’s first year of operation. 

City of Refuge student using the center’s new virtual welding simulator

What was said:

“This first new welding class is off to a great start, and we are excited about the future for them and the job opportunities that the welding center will create.” — Bruce Deel, CEO, City of Refuge 

“This initiative is one of many efforts led by our Community Impact team to create meaningful opportunities and drive long-term, positive change in the communities we serve across our 22-state network.” — Kristin Wong, Director NS Foundation & Community Impact 

“Skilled welders are essential to Norfolk Southern’s daily operations. They help ensure our locomotives and railcars are safe, reliable, and resilient. That’s why we’re proud to invest in the next generation of talent through our partnership with City of Refuge. By supporting the launch of this new welding training center, we’re not only strengthening our workforce, we’re helping open doors to high-demand careers and economic mobility for residents in west Atlanta.” — John Fleps, VP Safety 

John Fleps, Norfolk Southern VP Safety, interacts with students during the opening of the City of Refuge Welding Training Center in Atlanta. 

To support City of Refuge, visit their website.