(INDIANAPOLIS) – Recently, fifteen offenders at the Putnamville Correctional Facility (ISF) completed Building Trades – Residential Carpentry, Level 1, through a partnership with Oakland City University (OCU) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). This groundbreaking partnership allows students to obtain national and internationally recognized certifications from NCCER.
The curriculum includes competency-based and skill-oriented certifications in over 80 specialties as well as core curriculum, carpentry and OSHA 10 certifications. The students receive hands-on, practical modules of instruction, affording the opportunity for them to utilize and hone their newfound skills. Students complete the program within six months and after fulfilling the minimum 400-hour course requirement.
Dr. John Nally, Director of Adult Education for the Indiana Department of Correction states, “Our NCCER instructors…are among the very best instructors in the State. They’re truly the “pros from Dover”. Focused, high energy, and always go the extra mile.”
NCCER Level 1 is on Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s list of promoted industry certifications. This distinction signifies that offenders completing this program and receiving the certification are ahead of the game. Their names are listed on a national and international platform that employers utilize when seeking qualified workers, putting them directly on the path of employment prior to release.
OCU is excited to see how this partnership changes the lives of the students by preparing them for successful re-entry through rewarding, gainful employment.
