SOLEDAD — In front of family and friends, 123 inmates at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad received their apprenticeships and industry accredited job certifications during an April 9 graduation held by the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA).
“Congratulations! We are recognizing you for your achievements today,” said CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson. “We are proud of your commitment, dedication and demonstrated work ethic in our programs, which prepare you for a meaningful career when you return home.”
Various job training programs were highlighted, some graduates earned apprenticeships as maintenance mechanics, machine operators, upholsterers and stock clerks.
Formerly incarcerated and CALPIA graduate Timothy Jackson shared his story of success. Jackson is the founder and CEO of Quality Touch Cleaning Systems, and said he learned his job skills in prison through CALPIA’s Healthcare Facilities Maintenance program.
“It is a blessing to be here,” Jackson said. “I never could have imagined that this would be a reality for me.”
Jackson said he learned how to clean at a hospital level through the job training program and received all his certifications, which helped him when he returned to his community in 2017. Jackson, now happily married with a family, talked candidly with the graduates about overcoming life’s struggles.
“You have to have the right mindset, set goals for yourself,” he added. “CALPIA stands for changed lives. When you collaborate with this organization, no matter what your vocation is, you will integrate into the curriculum. They have hopes and expectations for you. I am a living hope of that. They want your life to be changed.”
A 2021 University of California, Irvine study found CALPIA had lower rates of rearrests, reconvictions and reincarcerations compared to those who were qualified to, but did not, participate in a CALPIA job training program. The study found three years after release, only 15% of CALPIA participants had been returned to custody, meaning 85% are staying out of prison.
