DOC Touts Apprenticeship Programs

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections and Department of
Workforce Development made a stop in Oshkosh
recently, touting their inmate apprenticeship programs. The programs aim to
prepare inmates for good-paying careers, and gets them ready to reintegrate
into life outside of the prison walls. Inmates at Oshkosh can take part in arborist and
culinary apprenticeship programs. 

There are a total of about 40 apprentices
across all DOC facilities learning different skills. 45 inmates have completed
registered apprenticeship programs over the last five years. There are more
than 100,000 open jobs on the state website, and the DOC points out that
inmates create a vast pool of potential future employees – as more than 8,000
are released each year.