ADCRR and DES Announce Warehouse Tech and Automotive Tech Apprenticeships for Incarcerated Individuals

November 21, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: Anjelica Miller | 602-542-0157 | [email protected]

Programs Will Equip Participants with Workforce Certifications Before Leaving Prison

Phoenix, AZ – Today, the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) announced the creation of two registered apprenticeship programs, creating strong employment pathways to job opportunities for individuals incarcerated in state prisons. Announced during Arizona Apprenticeship Week, the apprenticeship programs established through this initiative are the first-ever ADCRR-sponsored apprenticeships and will provide incarcerated people with industry-standard training and certification prior to release, increasing their earning and job outlook potential while reducing the likelihood of returning to custody.

Starting this month, incarcerated individuals at the Arizona State Prison Complex - Eyman (ASPC-Eyman) have access to two new apprenticeship programs: Warehouse Technician and Automotive Technician. Apprentices in the warehouse program will learn all aspects of work within a warehouse, including inventory, loading/unloading trucks, use of machinery like forklifts and power jacks, safety protocols, and basic bookkeeping skills. Those in the automotive apprenticeship will learn to diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles while adhering to safety protocols and industry standards. Upon completion of the programs, participants will receive a nationally-recognized certificate of completion from the U.S. Department of Labor that they can use to obtain employment after incarceration.

“We are proud to launch these two new skilled labor apprenticeship opportunities at ASPC-Eyman. With these new skills, gainful employment upon release can be realized, ensuring individuals are able to provide for themself and their family. Investing in our future workforce is public safety,” said ADCRR Director Ryan Thornell.

Incarcerated individuals meeting the necessary requirements to participate in these programs will have approximately one year to complete them, earn wages throughout the duration, and have opportunities to network with employers in the field prior to release.

“The Apprenticeship Program at DES welcomes the opportunity to help create meaningful pathways of employment for incarcerated individuals for successful reentry into our communities,” said DES Director Angie Rodgers. “Apprenticeships move everyone forward with on-the-job training and experience, leading to quality jobs and sustainable careers.

ASPC-Eyman, located in Florence, can accommodate up to 7,222 residents across six units. The complex provides the incarcerated population with opportunities to participate in work crews, wildland fire crews, educational programs, treatment services, and self-improvement initiatives.

These new apprenticeships, announced during Arizona Apprenticeship Week, are a part of Governor Hobbs’ Talent Ready AZ Initiative, which seeks to create postsecondary education and career pathways to good jobs in high-demand fields. This initiative also aligns with the Hobbs Administration’s goal to reduce recidivism as well as efforts to support incarcerated individuals in successfully reentering the community. Research shows that incarcerated individuals who participate in vocational and educational training are over 30 percent more likely to secure employment and 43 percent less likely to be rearrested within their first year of release.

Apprenticeship programs also benefit employers by lowering recruitment costs, improving employee retention, and filling skills gaps with a trained workforce. Apprenticeships promote innovation and productivity, as apprentices are trained to align with the organization's specific standards and the industry's needs.

About Registered Apprenticeships

A Registered Apprenticeship provides people with an option for a sustainable career pathway and postsecondary education, offering benefits such as a paycheck from day one, on-the-job training, related technical instruction, a nationally recognized credential, and more. There are thousands of apprentices across Arizona, and opportunities are available in almost every occupation. Learn more about Arizona Apprenticeship Week here and about Arizona’s Registered Apprenticeship Program here.

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