KEY TAKEAWAYS: Nunez partners with St. Bernard and Plaquemines sheriffs to offer jail-based workforce training Inmates can earn industry certifications including NCCER, OSHA-10 and fiber optics Program funded by Rapid Response Corrections Grant and state corrections department Initiative aims to reduce recidivism and address regional workforce shortages   Nunez Community College is expanding its workforce training efforts into local detention centers through new partnerships with law enforcement agencies in St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. The Chalmette-based college has begun offering industry-recognized certificate programs to inmates at both parish jails under agreements with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. Instruction started in January and is funded through a Rapid Response Corrections Grant and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, according to the college. The initiative significantly broadens Nunez’s correctional education footprint. While the college’s Adult Education Division has provided high school equivalency courses at the St. Bernard Parish Jail since August 2025, the new memorandum of understanding adds a slate of workforce credentials aimed at improving job prospects after release. Available certifications include fiber optics, powered industrial truck operation — covering forklift, manlift, scissorlift and telehandler — NCCER Core construction training, HAZWOPER, OSHA-10 safety training and basic life support, including CPR and first aid. Nunez Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney said the program aligns with the college’s mission to expand access to career-focused education. “At Nunez Community College, we are deeply committed to elevating our community by serving all people with accessible, transformative education,” Tinney said. “We are proud to partner with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office to deliver targeted programs that equip individuals with both skills and a sense of purpose to reduce recidivism. These classes pave a clear path toward becoming contributing citizens who are able to enjoy a high quality of life.” Col. Kevin Sensebe, commander of the Corrections Division and warden of the St. Bernard Parish Prison, said educational programming inside the jail is central to rehabilitation efforts. Sheriffs in both parishes described the workforce training as a long-term public safety investment. “This partnership is about giving people the tools they need to succeed once they return to the community,” St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said. “By helping inmates develop real, marketable skills, we’re creating opportunities for employment, personal accountability and a fresh start — and ultimately making our entire parish safer and stronger.” Plaquemines Sheriff Jerry Turlich said the initiative is designed to support successful reentry and reduce repeat offenses. “We are excited about our impending partnership with Nunez College,” Turlich said. “Together, this program will prepare justice involved individuals for a successful reentry into society while reducing the chance of recidivism.” The expansion reflects a broader push among Louisiana institutions to tie correctional education to industry-demand credentials, particularly in construction, safety and industrial sectors where skilled labor shortages persist. By aligning training with recognized certifications, Nunez and its partners aim to improve employment outcomes for formerly incarcerated residents while addressing regional workforce needs. ...read more read less