“There’s so much I’d tell him,” Breland Freeman said of the advice he would give to his younger self. “The main thing, to be more humble,” he said.

This summer, 10 Pearl River County Correctional Facility trusties participated in an Automotive Maintenance Workforce Training course at Pearl River Community College (PRCC).

The course allowed the trusties to work hands-on with vehicle engines and challenged them to better themselves.  

“This is a great opportunity for some of the trusties to learn a skill,” said Dr. Scott Alsobrooks, vice president of economic and community development at PRCC. “We’re glad to do this. Pending funding availability, we’ll do it again.”

Alsobrooks said this is an opportunity that might open the door for the trusties to get an entry level job in the future.

PRCC also offers free GED courses and trusties can receive a GED certificate.

Four trusties discussed their experiences in the programs and what they gained along the way.