Trade program graduates use their skills to revamp Biloxi park

Graduates from one local workforce development school spent the day fixing up a local park in Biloxi.

The KOPC Workforce Development offers a free craft training program for people aged 18 to 50. Students learn general construction and electrical wiring.

Their final test each year is to volunteer to repair a park.

At Biloxi’s John Henry Beck Park, students are cleaning, repairing, and repainting the tables and pavilions.

KOPC’s partnership with the city allows these students to go out to the park and practice their skills one last time before they head off into the workforce.

Part of KOPC’s curriculum is teaching these students that with each paint stroke and hammered nail – they are building a better community.

“We have two parts. The first part is classroom curriculum, and the second part is actually experience,” said Michael Griffin, program director and instructor. “On-the-job training. That’s what’s happening today. So, not only are they getting on-the-job training, but again, helping the city out, helping the community out.”

Registration is now open for September scheduled classes. You can register here: https://www.kopcworkforce.org/enrollment