TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County sheriff’s office just held a special graduation ceremony.
Nearly two dozen inmates became the first class to graduate from HCSO’s new vocational training center in partnership with the Florida Trade Academy.
The innovative program offers hands-on technical training in electrical work, air conditioning systems, automotive, plumbing and more.
The idea is to give inmates practical, valuable skills so they can secure good jobs after their release – making it far less likely that they would return to a life of crime.
“We want you to recognize that you have the ability to have a productive life," HCSO Chief Deputy Donna Lusczynski told the graduating group said. "Live the life that you truly want. And again, our goal is to keep you from returning to our facility or any others."
Roddrick Walton was among those in the inaugural class and spoke about the positive impact the program had on his life and future.
“I am very much changed," Walton said. "Heart. Personality, and me – as a self-sufficient father, I’m very much changed, yes, sir."
The sheriff’s office says the program was so successful they’re planning on starting up a second class in just two weeks which will include 23 more inmates acquiring the skills to succeed once they’re released from jail.
The training center opened back in 2020. The 10,000 square-foot facility was built to prepare inmates for life after they finish their sentence. Classes are taught by by certified instructors through Hillsborough County Public Schools and Hillsborough technical colleges.