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| Virtual Classes Offer a Safe Environment for Skill Building |
| By Colorado Department of Corrections |
| Published: 05/31/2016 |
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Colorado Springs, CO: The Colorado Department of Corrections implemented a unique program to assist close custody offenders obtain career and technical education at Limon, Sterling, Buena Vista, Arkansas Valley and Fremont Correctional Facilities. The virtual welding program combines the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) training credentials and 11 college credits to provide basic welding skills using a virtual welding system. Under the guidance of Instructor Michael Barney, students at Limon Correctional Facility learn welding safety, blue printing and a basic understanding of various welding processes, such as oxy fuel cutting, gas metal arc, shield metal arc, and plasma arc. December 2015 saw the first graduates of the program. The program uses Soldamatic welding machines that allow students to practice welding skills without the cost of live welding materials. Using the machines, students develop industry specific muscle memory and eye-hand-coordination. The virtual system is a safer option for close custody offenders, since traditional welding materials such as wire and welding rod are not used. The program was made possible by the passage of House Bill 12-1223 which prescribed Achievement Earned Time (AET) for offenders completing educational programs. As directed by the bill, any savings resulting from offenders receiving AET is returned to the CDOC Education program. The Limon Correctional Facility Virtual Welding program is one of the initial program start-ups funded by this resource. After participating in programs like this, offenders can work towards progressively moving to a lower custody facility with the opportunity to participate in advanced welding programs where offenders can earn apprenticeships for the hours worked on the job that can be used upon release to help them find meaningful work. These are real skills that provide value to help make the ex-offender as successful as possible allowing them the opportunity to feel self-worth and gratification, preventing them from returning to prison. |
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