Vocational training programs in prisons play a big role in rehabilitating prisoners as they provide these individuals with the skills and knowledge that are needed for them so that they can get a job after release. They are designed to minimize recidivism rates, support personal development, and help them to re-enter into society.
Talking about vocational programs in prisons, you may want to know what are the programs that are found in prisons. Just make sure to read this post to find out about it.
Read also: List of Things Felons Can’t Do
Definition of Vocational Programs in Prisons
Vocational training program is used to call an instructional program or course that focuses more on the skills needed to land a certain job.
Advantages of Vocational Programs in Prisons
There are a number of advantages offered by vocational programs in prisons, such as:
-
- It can lower the number of recidivism.
- It can increase employment opportunities.
- The prisoners can learn new skills.
- The prisoners can be more disciplined and have a positive work ethic.
- It can make the finances of not only the prisoners but also the society in general better.
List of Vocational Programs in Prisons
The vocational programs offered to prisoners vary significantly, depending on the state and on the correctional facility. For example, here are the list of vocational programs that are available in California prisons:
-
- Avenal State Prison: Auto body, auto mechanics, building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, machine shop, masonry, painting (industrial), plumbing, small engine repair, welding
- CA Correctional Institution: Auto body, auto mechanics, building maintenance, construction 101, carpentry, computer related technologies, electronics, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, plumbing, welding
- CA Health Care Facility: Computer related technologies
- CA Institution for Men: Building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, masonry, plumbing, sheet metal, small engine repair, welding
- CA Institution for Women: Construction 101, computer coding, computer related technologies, cosmetology, electronics
- CA Men’s Colony: Auto Mechanics, building maintenance, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, machine shop, masonry, small engine repair, welding
- CA Medical Facility: Computer related technologies
- CA Rehabilitation Center: Auto mechanics, building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, plumbing
- CA State Prison, Corcoran: Building maintenance, computer related technologies, electronics, machine shop, sheet metal, welding
- CA State Prison, Los Angeles County: Computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, masonry, painting (industrial), plumbing
- CA State Prison, Sacramento: Building maintenance, computer related technologies, electronics, plumbing
- CA State Prison, Solano: Building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, masonry, plumbing, welding
- Calipatria State Prison: Auto body, auto mechanics, carpentry, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning
- Centinela State Prison: Auto body, auto mechanics, building maintenance, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, roofing, small engine repair, welding
- Central CA Women’s Facility: Auto body, building maintenance, carpentry, computer coding, computer related technologies, construction 101, cosmetology, electronics
- Chuckawalla Valley State Prison: Auto body, auto mechanics, building maintenance, carpentry, computer coding, computer related technologies, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, masonry, painting (Industrial), plumbing, welding
- Correctional Training Facility: Auto body, auto mechanics, building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, construction 101, electronics, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, masonry, plumbing, small engine repair, welding
- Folsom State Prison: Auto mechanics, building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, construction 101, electronics, electrical, masonry, plumbing, welding
- High Desert State Prison: Auto body, building maintenance, computer related technologies, plumbing
- Ironwood State Prison: Auto body, auto mechanics building maintenance, carpentry, computer Coding, computer related technologies, electronics, masonry, plumbing, welding
- Kern Valley State Prison: Auto mechanics, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, masonry, plumbing, small engine repair, welding
- Mule Creek State Prison: Building maintenance, computer related technologies, electronics, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, welding
- North Kern State Prison: Electrical, small engine repair
- Pelican Bay State Prison: Computer coding, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical
- Pleasant Valley State Prison: Auto body, auto mechanics, building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, electronics, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, small engine repair, welding
- Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility: Building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, electronics, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, machine shop, welding
- Salinas Valley State Prison: Auto body, computer related technologies, construction 101, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, machine shop, welding
- San Quentin Rehabilitation Center: Building maintenance, computer related technologies, electrical, machine shop, plumbing
- Sierra Conservation Center: Auto body, auto mechanics, building maintenance, computer related technologies, construction 101, masonry, welding
- Substance Abuse Treatment Facility: Auto body, auto mechanics, building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, electronics, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, masonry, painting (industrial), plumbing, small engine repair, welding
- Valley State Prison: Auto mechanics, building maintenance, carpentry, computer related technologies, cosmetology, electrical, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, masonry, plumbing, small engine repair, welding
- Wasco State Prison: Computer related technologies, plumbing
In general, the vocational programs that are usually offered in prisons include:
1. Culinary arts
Several kinds of training offered by culinary art programs, including baking, cooking, food preparation, and kitchen management. The prisoners can earn experience by working in institutional kitchens. Aside from that, they can also obtain certifications that are useful to find jobs in catering services, food production, or restaurants.
2. Carpentry and woodworking
By participating in carpentry programs, prisoners can learn the fundamentals of woodworking, such as the safety practices, use of tools, and construction techniques. After the completion, they can obtain certifications that are useful if they want to look for jobs in construction and home renovation industries.
3. Computer technology
If the prisoners are interested in technology, they can take computer technology programs. From these programs, they can get knowledge about basic computer literacy, more advanced topics like coding, network management, IT support, and so on. To increase the chance of them getting a job, they can earn certifications such as Cisco’s CCNA or CompTIA A+.
4. Automotive repair
Automotive repair programs offer training in diagnostics, repair, and how to maintain vehicles. The instructors will teach the prisoners about brakes, engines, and electrical components. If these inmates want to work in service centers, auto repair shops, and similar places, they can use certifications.
5. Horticulture and landscaping
By joining horticulture and landscaping programs, the prisoners can be trained in landscaping, gardening, and ground maintenance. Besides, they can also get knowledge about soil management, landscape design, and plant care. With all the skills that they have learnt, they can find jobs related to public parks, nurseries, and from landscaping companies.
6. Welding and metalwork
Welding programs will teach the prisoners about the techniques and safety protocols that are essentials when working with metal. Several skills that will be taught include metal cutting, fabrication, and different kinds of welding methods. With certification, they can land a job in construction, metalworking, and manufacturing industries.
7. Barbering and cosmetology
If the prisoners want to learn about hair cutting, styling, and other personal care services, they may want to consider participating in barbering and cosmetology programs. Those who have graduated from these programs can get licenses that can be used to work in barber shops, salons, and beauty parlors.
8. Construction and building maintenance
If the prisoners used to work in the construction field or they are interested in finding a job in this field after leaving prison, they are advised to take construction and building maintenance that provide training in general construction skills, such as painting, general maintenance, plumbing, and electrical work. Besides, they are also recommended to earn certifications so that they will be eligible for entry-level positions in the construction and maintenance sectors.
9. HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
After incarceration, the prisoners can work in careers in the HVAC industry. To be able to do that, they can participate in HVAC programs and learn about repair, installation, and maintenance of cooling, heating, and ventilation systems. To make it easier for them to get a job, they are suggested to obtain certifications such as EPA 608.
10. Textile and sewing
If prisoners participate in textile programs, they can learn how to do a few things, such as operating sewing machines, cutting patterns, and creating garments or other fabric products. After the release, they can use these skills to find a job in manufacturing, fashion, and custom tailoring.
11. Electrical work
The prisoners can learn about the basics of wiring, electrical systems and safety procedures. To increase their chances of landing a job after incarceration, they can pursue certifications such as Journeyman Electrician or OSHA 10.
12. Print and graphic design
If the prisoners are into graphic design, they can learn print and graphic design programs. By participating in these programs, they can gain knowledge about printing processes, media production, and digital design. Besides, they can also learn skills in software such as Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. After they exit the prisons, they can use their skills to get jobs in printing, graphic design, and advertising industries.
13. Manufacturing and assembly
Manufacturing programs offer training in quality control, industrial production processes, and assembly line work. The prisoners can obtain skills that can be used in several manufacturing settings, such as automotive, electronics, and consumer goods industries.
14. Commercial cleaning and janitor services
Commercial cleaning and janitor service programs offer training in sanitation standards, cleaning techniques, and maintenance of commercial properties. They can then use the skills to land a job in facility management, custodial work, and janitorial services.
15. Agriculture and farming
By joining the agriculture and farming programs, the prisoners can learn crop management, animal husbandry, principles of farming, and so on. The skills that they have learnt can be used to land jobs within the agricultural sector, such as ranching, agricultural production, and farm work.
16. Furniture making and upholstery
Furniture making and upholstery programs teach the prisoners skills that are needed to produce and repair furniture. The things that they will learn include upholstery techniques, woodworking, and furniture finishing. In the end, they can try to find jobs in upholstery services, repair shops, and furniture manufacturing.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, vocational programs in prisons are essential for prisoners to prepare skills that are important for them to land jobs after getting released. The training opportunities offered are a lot and vary. There is no doubt that these programs are useful as they can minimize recidivism, improve employability, and make the well-being of former prisoners better. Actually, the benefits are not only for the prisoners but also for the public in general as the environment can become safer.