Vocational Training in Prisons

Vocational training programs in prisons provide inmates with skills to find jobs and earn living wages, reducing recidivism. Inmates can acquire skills in various fields, including food preparation, plant operations, warehousing, and vehicle maintenance. Only about a third of state and federal prisoners and almost no prisoners in local jails receive vocational training due to limited access. Inmates often need a high school diploma or GED and a history of good behavior to participate. The programs include science and engineering apprenticeships, HVAC, AutoCAD, building trades, paralegal training, writing courses, personal fitness, and veterinarian assistant training. Prison farming offers inmates practical skills in agriculture, focusing on sustainable and organic methods. It equips them with knowledge in crop culture, livestock care, and alternative energy production, like alcohol fuel, preparing them for agricultural careers. Vandalia Correctional Center in Illinois, originally established as Illinois' first prison farm, houses individuals serving misdemeanor sentences. It has a dormitory-style setup with a capacity of 1,300 inmates and employs security measures, including perimeter fencing and surveillance. The training also includes automotive repair.Inmates can receive training in nail and beauty aesthetics, which typically requires 15-18 months to complete. A high school diploma or GED is usually required for enrollment in these programs. In addition to cosmetology, inmates learn fundamental and advanced welding techniques. These techniques include SMAW, MIG, TIG, FCAW, and oxyacetylene cutting and welding. Programs often employ simulated job environments to provide realistic practice, and obtaining certifications such as those from the American Welding Society (AWS) can improve career opportunities for individuals after their release. The benefits of vocational training are significant. There is a 43% reduction in recidivism among parolees participating in prison education programs, alongside a 13% increase in post-release employment for those same individuals. The return on investment for prison education programs ranges from 1:5 to 1:12, with a noted 70% reduction in misconduct incidents amongst participants. Overall, vocational training contributes to a more productive workforce and aids in reducing the strain on the criminal justice system by decreasing recidivism rates.