ST. MARY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- In a remarkable milestone for inmate rehabilitation and workforce development, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell today announced the graduation of the first class of SMPLEC offenders from the South Louisiana Community College (SoLaCC) Welding Certification Program.

Seven offenders housed at the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center successfully completed the program, marking the beginning of a promising transition from incarceration to gainful employment.

The commencement ceremony, held on Friday, April 11, was attended by Sheriff Driskell, Chief Deputy John Kahl, Major Nick Rogers (SMPLEC Warden), and deputies. The graduating class is part of a groundbreaking pilot program designed to equip offenders with welding skills. This initiative prepares them for participation in the Work Release Program, enabling them to secure jobs even before completing their corrections sentences.

The program not only provides vocational training but also serves as a critical step toward reducing recidivism. By fostering practical skills and self-reliance, the initiative aims to support offenders as they reintegrate into society, thereby contributing to safer communities and more hopeful futures.

“This work release program gives offenders the chance to re-enter society with a trade, a job, and money in their pockets,” said Sheriff Driskell. “I am so proud of these men. They worked hard and earned this honor 100%. I have always believed that sometimes, people don’t need a handout—they need a hand up. For these men to now be welders with opportunities to earn a good living, and to be in a position to invest in their futures, is a monumental accomplishment. We believe this program will help them, as well as others in the future, achieve success in life and avoid becoming another recidivism statistic. I can’t thank SoLaCC enough for making this a reality.”

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