A total of 17 inmates have become the first group of graduates from the newly opened Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Vocational Training Center.
The facility offers inmates at the Falkenburg Road Jail an opportunity to learn a trade in hopes of finding gainful employment upon release. The Vocational Training Center originally opened in March, but due to COVID-19, the start of classes was delayed until October for the safety of inmates and staff
The classes, which include welding, carpentry, forklift operation and basic automotive services, are taught by instructors from Hillsborough County Public Schools and Hillsborough Technical College.
During a small, socially distanced graduation ceremony on Wednesday night, December 2, the inmates who completed the program received a certificate in their chosen field.