Training Programs For Calif. State Prison Inmates Expanding

Programs to train California state prison inmates with marketable job skills for life on the outside... are expanding starting this month. 

The California Prison Industry Authority recently approved $12 million to expand Career Technical Education programs this fiscal year.

The programs are entirely self-funded through the sale of prisoner-created products, including license plates and clothing.

Chuck Pattillo is the executive officer of the Prison Industry Board. He says, the expanded training includes a trade skills.

Pattillo says High-tech training is also a big part of the plan.

"We've launched a coding program at San Quentin and we have a CAD program at Folsom Women's Facility here in Folsom," says Patillo. "And, they've invested money in those two programs to expand those to Pelican Bay, where we'll do coding and CAD, as well as the juvenile facility where they'll do coding in Ventura."

Pattillo also says training like this helps greatly reduce the likelihood that a former inmate will return to the prison system.

Graduates of the Career Technical Education programs have the lowest recidivism rates in the state.