Over 20 area adults are registered for adult welding and electrical classes that meet each Monday and Thursday night from 5:00-10:00 p.m. at the Career and Technical Center (Vo-Tech).

The classes are being taught in conjunction with Pearl River Community College, and instructors are Jefferson Davis County Schools own Rev. Henry Kelly (Welding) and Leonard Daley (Electrical).

Rev. Kelly has been a Certified Welding Instructor for 6 years, and Mr. Daley is a 13 year teacher. Both are NCCER certified instructors. Participants who complete the courses will leave with certifications and skills that will allow them to enter directly into the workforce. OSHA Safety certification, forklift certification, and NCCER (Nationally Recognized Construction Industry Credentials) Level I certification are some of the certifications that completers of the courses will earn. NCCER certification can be used to gain employment with companies such as M.G. Dyess, Dupont, and BP.

PRCC has also provided supplies to help students. Veterans were able to enroll at not cost through the WIN Job Center. Welding students Cain Booth and George Smith have been impressed with classes so far.

Booth states, “I like the classes. It is easier for me to attend classes in the county instead of having to go to Poplarville.” Smith added, “The fact that I will be able to complete the class and be prepared for a career in welding is what I really like about the classes.”

Kevin McRaney, local construction worker and electrical student, is using the opportunity to enhance the skills he already uses on a daily basis. “By completing this course, I will be able to bring more knowledge to my job.” The classes are planned long-term by the

Jefferson Davis County School District and PRCC. Interim Superintendent of Education John Daley stated, “We are very excited to work with Pearl River Community College to provide this opportunity for our residents. We hope that this is the first of many classes that will take place in our district. I want to thank Dr. Thomas Johnson (Career and Technical Director for the  Jefferson Davis County School District) for his part in making these classes a reality.”