Correctional Inmates Receive Second Chance With Pre-Apprenticeship

Sixteen men at the Polk Correctional Institution have recently graduated from iBuilds pre-apprenticeship program a partnership between Polk Correctional facility and iBuild Florida. This program will focus on providing a pathway for current inmates to learn and develop skills they may need for employment within the construction industry following their release. The goal of the program is to prepare inmates for a smoother transition back into the workforce as well as public life. Apprentices will also receive on-the-job training from industry professionals as part of a mentorship process that will help their participants gain valuable toolkits for their future careers.

“The men who go through this program have served their sentence and repaid their debt to society, Too often, they’re stigmatized because of their past and get little help when they are released. This is a win-win, We are helping them define what success looks like and build a life they can be proud of, and they are helping us fill critically needed jobs in our industry with skilled labor.” 

Debbie Rodriguez, President of iBuild Central Florida

For an inmate to be selected to the program they first are required to interview with an iBuild instructor as well as be in good standing with less than a year on their sentence. The program will represent the first state-registered correctional construction pre-apprenticeship program in the state of Florida helping its participants to receive necessary certifications so that they may start work within a week after their release. iBuild prides itself as an advocate for apprenticeship programs and also provides its graduates with literature on grants for further educational opportunities even after they leave the company.  

Read full article here: https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2021/12/27/inmates-polk-correctional-institution-construction-pre-apprenticeship-program-ibrand-central-doc/6498182001/