Iowa Prison Industries is pleased to announce the first associate 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 inmates. 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.
Incarcerated individuals enroll in the program through IPI, but the coursework and testing must be completed during the individuals’ 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 inmate completing an apprenticeship program is Anderson, a long-time employee in IPI’s License Plate Shop; his apprenticeship certificate was earned for Computer Operator.