Welding Program Instructor

Mr. Joe Williams is a passionate, dedicated educator who brings over 25 years of experience to the forefront of welding instruction. Known and recognized by colleagues, industry leaders, and elected officials for his commitment to excellence and achievement through education, Mr. Williams continually strives to empower future generations of tradesmen and women.

 

A native of Philadelphia, and educated in the Philadelphia public school system, Joe was raised by his mother and grandmother. He was taught early in life to always believe in himself and to place God first in all things. At a young age, Joe expressed his imagination and limitless creativity by re-designing and constructing things around his home.

 

After graduating from Martin Luther King High School and A. Phillip Randolph for Welding Engineering, Joe attended The Community College of Philadelphia where he studied computerized automated drafting. Not soon after Mr. Williams decided to feed his creativity to pursue a career in event planning and production. He developed uniquely themed socials, events for corporate clients, galas, and movie premiers. His technical skills, enthusiasm, and love for a great production landed him an opportunity to work in the production department for Avatar The Last Airbender, a 180-million-dollar film directed by M Knight Shomalon. Mr. William’s talent and welding skills can be seen throughout the film.

 

While welding in the private sector for military defense at L3, Joe noticed a growing demand for welders. He contacted the Philadelphia School District and asked if there were any open positions for Welding instructors. Three hours and one phone call later, his life changed forever. Soon after that, Mr. Williams began teaching at Phillip Randolph. In the same school, he learned how to weld and read blueprints. The student became the teacher in the same welding classroom using the same welding machines.

 

While at the Philadelphia School District, Mr. Williams was recognized as having one of the most successful welding programs with his students going directly into the workforce and having a one hundred percent (100%) placement rate for multiple years. Soon after Mr. Williams became the recipient of The Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching and was recognized in the American Welding Society Magazine. Before Mr. William departed from the Philadelphia School District, the welding program was awarded a 2.5 million dollar upgrade, which Mr.Williams designed. Mr. Williams is proud and honored to have had the opportunity to give back to the community and his high school alma mater.

 

Now in his fourth year as the founding welding instructor and director at Father Judge High School of Philadelphia, Mr. Williams is immensely proud of how the students have embraced the Career and Technical Education Curriculum and excelled in the welding program. He credits the success of the program to the students, parents, and the continued support of the Archdiocese and community partners. In 2023, the U.S. Navy recognized The Father Judge High School Welding Program for having a model welding program.