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Nunez Community College recently began offering industry-based certificate training to inmates in the St. Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish Jails on a regular basis after offering sporadic programs in the past. Pictured, trusties from the St. Bernard Parish Jail, with Nunez Instrumentation instructor Alex Mulvaney, received their NCCER Core basic construction certificates back in November 2023.
Nunez Community College in Chalmette recently established partnerships with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office to offer industry-based certificate courses at both parishes’ detention centers.
Available certifications will include Fiber Optics, Powered Industrial Truck (Forklift, Manlift, Scissorlift, and Telehandler), NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Core, HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response), OSHA-10 (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and Basic Life Support (CPR, First Aid).
The training will be funded by a Rapid Response Corrections Grant and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Instruction from Nunez’s Workforce and STEAM Divisions began in January.
“At Nunez Community College, we are deeply committed to elevating our community by serving all people with accessible, transformative education,” said Dr. Tina Tinney, Nunez Chancellor. “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.”
Nunez’s Adult Education Division has offered high school equivalency (GED) courses at the St. Bernard Parish Jail since August 2025, but the current memorandum of understanding represents a dramatic increase in certificate programs offered to inmates. Col. Kevin Sensebe, commander of the Corrections Division, who serves as warden of the Parish Prison, said providing educational opportunities within the jail plays a vital role in the rehabilitation of inmates.
St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann and Plaquemines Sheriff Jerry Turlich believe the training can be a transformative resource for inmates.
“This partnership is about giving people the tools they need to succeed once they return to the community,” Sheriff 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.”
“We are excited about our impending partnership with Nunez College,” said Sheriff Turlich. “Together, this program will prepare justice involved individuals for a successful reentry into society while reducing the chance of recidivism.”
