Masonry Magazine June 2007 Page. 17
Vocational programs for inmates do work, said Walter A. McFarlane, superintendent of the Virginia Department of Correctional Education (DCE) in Richmond. He said several studies have shown that inmates who complete the masonry program earn more money than those who don't take a training program. Additionally, they are employed at a higher rate, and return to prison at a lower rate.
"One DCE study showed that three years after release, 60 percent of all masonry completers were employed," McFarlane said, although he noted that they may not have all been employed in masonry. "Of the completers, 23.5 percent had returned to prison as compared with approximately 28 percent who had not taken any vocational courses. That is a reduction in recidivism by a factor of 16.1 percent."
Masonry Training Breeds Success Stories
SOUTHERN BRICK'S COLLAZO is a textbook success story. He took a masonry class, secured a masonry job after his release, stayed with it, and got a promotion.
"These programs really do work," said Collazo, who's now 40 years old and attends prison job fairs. "If you put in 100 percent, it will reward you."
Southern Brick continues to hire trained inmates, three apprentices now working for the company are former inmates. "Southern Brick gave me an opportunity and helped me achieve what I achieved," Collazo said. "The pay is good, and I like being able to leave something behind, like a building, that I can be proud of."
"These programs really do work, if you put in 100 percent, it will reward you."
# Edwin Collazo
Other Virginia inmates may follow his example. Danny, who's taking a masonry class at Virginia's Bland Correction Center, is optimistic about his job prospects.
"I do like the class, and I am glad I had the opportunity to learn the masonry trade. I think it is a great program. This class has given me another option for employment after release," Danny said. "I will be in a field that I can make a lot of money to support me and my family. I plan to pursue a career in masonry, side jobs at first, maybe some work for a contractor. Then, later on, I would like to get my own contractor's license and start a small company of my own."
Jason, also taking the masonry class at Bland, has found the program beneficial as well.
"I have learned a lot since I have been here. It gives me a lot of hands-on experience. It has given me something constructive to do," Jason said. "It really has made me look forward to
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June 2007
Masonry 15