08/2014
Iowa Prison Industries is pleased to announce the first incarcerated individual has completed one of the apprenticeship programs available at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.
Iowa Prison Industries, the Department of Corrections, and Kirkwood Community College have teamed up to offer ten apprenticeship programs to Anamosa associates. All the programs are recognized and approved by the Federal Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. As of June 30, 2014, fifty-one incarcerated individuals are enrolled in the following programs: welding, computer operator, cabinet maker, cook, electrician (maintenance), refrigeration/air conditioner mechanic, maintenance repairer, plumber, fabricator-assembler metal production, and electrostatic powder coating technician.
These men and women enroll in the program through IPI, but the coursework and testing must be completed during the individual’s spare time. Testing is administered by Kirkwood Community College staff at ASP. Each apprenticeship also requires significant work hours in the field of study that are completed either in the institution or in one of IPI’s shops. IPI administers the program by logging test scores and work hours as well as sending this information to the Department of Labor.
The first incarcerated individual completing an apprenticeship program is Incarcerated Individual Anderson, a long-time employee in IPI’s License Plate Shop; his apprenticeship certificate was earned for Computer Operator.