UCI provides an opportunity for offender participants to attend the Makin’ It Work class. Makin’ It Work focuses on soft skills and cognitive behavior. Staff attend a 3-day instructor class taught by Dr. S. Parese. Currently, UCI has 12 certified Makin’ It Work instructors.
The Makin’ It Work class consists of 10 class sessions, two hours each, and a graduation ceremony. Some of the topic discussions are based around the following categories: Recognizing High Risk Situations, Knowing Your Triggers, Stop and Think, Actions and Consequences, Working Together, and Problem Solving. These discussions are guided from a student workbook with stories relatable to a work environment. For graduation, the speakers usually consist of the certified instructors, UCI Administration staff, and two offender speakers. Upon release, offender participants are given their Makin’ It Work booklet they completed in class.
The class was originally created to target the releasing offender’s population; however, we have found that including those without a release date has also had a positive influence and impact. The feedback received from participating offenders, with or without a release date, has been extremely positive and beneficial. They have indicated that they use these skills not only at work, but in their housing areas as well. These are the transferable soft skills that we all use on an everyday basis.
By hiring a UCI worker after his/her release from prison, employers can qualify for the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $2,400 for each formerly incarcerated person. In addition, employers may also benefit from a Federal Bonding Program where they receive six months of coverage at no cost to protect against employee theft or dishonesty ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for employers hiring “at-risk, hard-to-place job seekers.”
Hiring an offender who has been released from prison, reduces recidivism, supports businesses and economy, and helps keep communities safer.
Please fill out information below if you are interested in hiring an offender. Someone from our re-entry team will contact you.
Utah Correctional Industries offers a diverse range of apprenticeship programs designed to equip inmates with valuable skills and experience across various industries. Our programs include training in CNC machining, customer service, graphic design, and upholstery, among others. Each program is tailored to provide hands-on learning and classroom instruction, ensuring participants develop the competencies needed for successful careers post-release. These apprenticeships not only provide technical and creative skill sets but also emphasize personal growth and professional development, promoting a smooth reintegration into the workforce.
CNC Operator-Milling Apprenticeship Program
The CNC Operator-Milling Apprenticeship at Utah Correctional Industries is designed to equip inmates with valuable skills in the machining industry through a competency-based approach. Over the course of one year, apprentices gain hands-on experience with a series of competencies, complemented by a minimum of 144 hours of related instruction. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors, apprentices learn to operate and tend milling machines to produce precise workpieces using advanced machining techniques. This program not only offers technical skills development but also fosters individual growth by providing a progressively increasing wage schedule and a structured learning environment.
Participants are immersed in a comprehensive curriculum covering CNC machining fundamentals, blueprint reading, tool selection, and quality inspection. Additionally, courses such as CNC I and II Milling, Turning, and related skills, enable participants to gain proficiency in using CAD/CAM software and full-sized machining centers. The apprenticeship emphasizes safety, precision, and the adoption of industry standards, preparing participants for successful integration into the workforce post-release. Special pathways for direct entry are available for military veterans and individuals with prior relevant training, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all eligible candidates.
Customer Service Representative Apprenticeship Program
The Customer Service Representative Apprenticeship offered by Utah Correctional Industries spans two years, focusing on building practical skills needed in client interaction fields. This competency-based program comprises about 4,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 288 hours of related coursework annually. Participants are trained to handle customer inquiries, manage accounts, resolve disputes, and enhance customer engagement. The program’s structure ensures apprentices receive progressively increasing wages as they achieve specific competencies, preparing them for improved job opportunities upon release.
Participants benefit from a comprehensive learning journey that covers various customer service essentials, such as developing customer loyalty, managing billing and account verification, and understanding product features. Emphasizing strong interpersonal and communication skills, the program also includes training in practical areas like problem-solving, proactive account management, and technical solution development. Additionally, special provisions for direct entry are made for military veterans and individuals with prior relevant experience, ensuring broad accessibility and support for all eligible candidates.
Graphic Designer Apprenticeship Program
The Graphic Designer Apprenticeship at Utah Correctional Industries offers a comprehensive two-year, competency-based training experience, blending technical instruction with practical application. Apprentices engage in about 330 hours of related instruction annually, enhancing their creative and technical skills across mediums such as print, digital, and broadcast media. The program includes tasks like designing layouts, creating original artwork, and utilizing industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite. Participants gain hands-on experience with all aspects of graphic design, from initial concept to final production, supported by a one-on-one mentorship structure, fostering skill development and creative growth.
On-the-job training covers vital competencies like machine operation, intermediate design skills, and project management. Apprentices are immersed in various design disciplines, working on dynamic real-world projects. The curriculum includes diverse courses covering web and graphic design principles, advanced software techniques, and responsive design, enabling participants to build a robust portfolio and prepare for successful careers in the technology-driven creative industry. Special provisions for direct entry are available for eligible military veterans and individuals with prior related training, ensuring inclusive access to this transformative learning journey.
Upholsterer Apprenticeship Program at UCI
The Upholsterer Apprenticeship at Utah Correctional Industries spans two years and follows a time-based educational approach, requiring approximately 4,000 on-the-job learning (OJL) hours complemented by 288 hours of related instruction. Apprentices in this program are trained to make, repair, and replace upholstery for furniture and transportation vehicles, developing skills in reading work orders, collaborating with interior designers, and consulting with customers on fabric selection. The hands-on apprenticeship provides comprehensive training in creating upholstery patterns, cutting, sewing, and repairing upholstery, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to excel in the upholstery trade.
With a structured progression in wages, apprentices work closely with mentors to ensure mastery of competencies such as machine operation, fabric handling, and customer interaction. Participants are also instructed in furniture repair and maintenance, developing technical skills needed for diverse industry applications. Special provisions for direct entry are available for military veterans and qualified individuals with prior training, promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment for all eligible candidates seeking a career in upholstery and related fields.
