The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s labor market needs more trained construction and technical workers. While there are many paths to filling the labor gap, The Knights of Peter Claver (KOPC) Workforce Development is leading the way in training the unemployed and underemployed residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast who desire entry-level positions in the construction industry.
The Knights of Peter Claver (KOPC) Workforce Development is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established in 2018 by the Knights of Peter Claver, Council 25. It is a certified site of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Its central location is near large industrial companies such as Ingalls Shipbuilding, Chevron Oil Refinery, U.S. Naval and Air Force Bases, and a booming housing market.
These industries share a common interest with KOPC in addressing the Gulf Coast’s shortage of trained construction and technical workers. KOPC aims to train individuals in Basic General Construction and Electrical Wiring to secure entry-level positions in these respective crafts and set them up for success after graduation.
“Mississippi Gulf Coast residents who are low to moderate income, between the ages of 18-50, can receive training and credentials in CORE, carpentry, and electrical through the KOPC Workforce Development Program,” shared Michael Griffin, program director and instructor. “During 12 weeks, they receive career readiness training specific to resume writing, basic computer skills, and financial literacy.”
Participants also receive NCCER Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills training specific to Basic General Construction and Basic Electrical Wiring. All KCOP Workforce Development instructors are licensed and NCCER certified. There are perks to those who are successful in the program.
“Participants will also be paid a stipend during this training period,” explained Griffin. In addition to classroom training, successful participants will participate in in-field training and job placement with potential employers in our service area. Students who complete our program and obtain employment also receive tools for employment.”
KOPC’s curriculum teaches participants to use their gifts and talents to build a better community. At the end of each 12 weeks, graduates use their skills to give back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast through volunteer projects. Recently, graduates gathered at Biloxi’s John Henry Beck Park to clean, repair, and repair the tables and pavilions.
“KOPC has a great partnership with the city,” shared Griffin. “Volunteering also provides students with on-the-job training while helping the city and community out.”
The Knights of Peter Claver (KOPC) was founded in 1909 in Mobile, AL, to allow people of color full membership in a Catholic fraternity. The church has given the Order such strong support through the years that it now has nearly 1000 units in 54 Dioceses throughout the United States and San Andres, S.A. more than 100 years ago, Fr. Samuel J. Kelly, the first Pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, and one of the seven founders of our noble Order established The Knights of Peter Claver Council 25 at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Biloxi, Mississippi.
Registration is now open for September scheduled classes. Learn more about how to register here: https://www.kopcworkforce.org/enrollment
*All photos are courtesy of KOPC
