Vocational Training Programs

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Current: Vocational Training Programs

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Vocational programming options are aligned with the IDWD Indiana’s Promoted Industry Certification listing. The IDOC has identified programs and certifications that are widely promoted across the state. As part of the Adult Education grant the IDOC has implemented an Integrated Education & Training (IET) delivery model. For more information about these and other vocational programs, email: VocationalInfo@idoc.IN.gov.

Vocational Programs

Career Readiness

MSME- National Career Readiness Certificate
Students in correctional education often start their formal education later than most of us. Upon release they join the job hunt and their job applications will mix with many others on the desks of employers. The ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT NCRC) is a credential that helps them move their applications to the top of the stack. The ACT NCRC is a portable, evidence-based credential that certifies the essential skills for workplace success. Employers look for it from job candidates, whether they come directly from high school or through postsecondary paths, because it is a valid predictor of job performance. Students complete the MSME – NCRC program by earning the ACT NCRC at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level. The ACT NCRC is the foundation of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) stackable credential program. It is also a key component of credentialing programs in other industries, such as energy, construction, and information technology. Students on various career paths earn the ACT NCRC on their way to earning industry credentials and certifications.
National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is truly the foundation for the concept of stackable credentials for meaningful workforce development in Advanced Manufacturing as well as Logistics and other sectors. The idea of stackable certs/credentials is driven by the National Association of Manufacturers and their Manufacturing Institute’s great interest in increasing the numbers of documentable skilled workers because of the skills shortage they face. Hence, the NCRC is the base from which other credentials, (MSSC CPT, MCCS CLA/CLT, AWS, NIMS) in demand by manufacturing (and now other sectors) is derived.
Carpentry
NCCER: Commercial Carpentry
Carpenters make up the largest building trades occupation in the industry and those with all-around skills are in high demand. This four-level curriculum covers content such as Building Materials, Cabinet Fabrication, and Advanced Wall Systems. This program offers students the skills for entry level carpentry positions on almost any worksite. This includes onsite safety skills and certification. The certifications students complete the class with also assists students who want to branch out into craft specific trades. The NCCER program at Rockville Correctional Facility is the first female correctional NCCER program launched in the country. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development projects there will be 35,298 carpentry associated positions by 2026.
- Employment options: Apprentice Carpenter, Bridge Carpenter, Bridge Repair Crew Person, Carpenter, Form Carpenter, Journeyman Carpenter, Rough Carpenter, Union Carpenter, Cabinet Maker, Carpenter Foreman, Carpentry Foreman, Concrete Carpenter, Construction Superintendent, Construction Worker, Foreman, Framer, Production Worker
Hairdressing and Hairstyling
The beauty industry has been around for centuries and encompasses far more than just haircuts and styling. The Indiana Department of Correction Cosmetology and Barbering programs provide education and training in areas such as hair styling, chemical treatments, facial treatments, skin infections and treatments, safe work practices, business management and electricity and light therapy. The IDOC maintains approved and licensed Cosmetology and Barbering classrooms in several male and female facilities. The IDOC works with the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners to ensure classroom requirements are met and to administer the Barbering and Cosmetology licensure exams. By 2026 the Indiana Department of Workforce Development estimates 18,537 total job openings will have occurred in the Cosmetology and Barbering sector throughout the state of Indiana.
- Employment options: Hairstylist, Nail technician ,Salon or spa manager, Beautician, Wedding and Event Stylist, Makeup artist, Esthetician
Hospitality
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers a Certified Kitchen Cook, which terminates in a certification that ensures participants are skilled in preparing food, using kitchen equipment properly, and ensuring that everything is kept safe and sanitary to put the highest quality food on each plate. The Certified Kitchen Cook credential recognizes that kitchen employees who are committed to high standards in everything they do. The certification is supported by the START (Skills, Tasks, and Results Training) programs. START resources present concise instructions for training new or prospective employees on how to perform key tasks correctly, along with the general hospitality knowledge and soft skills needed in the hospitality industry. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development projects there will be 240,212 more professional cooking related positions by 2026.
- Employment options: Appetizer Preparer, Back Line Cook, Banquet Cook, Breakfast Cook, Broil Cook, Cook, Fry Cook, Grill Cook, Line Cook, Prep Cook (Preparation Cook), Cook; Corporate Executive Chef; Sous Chef; Head Cook; Line Cook
Logistics
The purpose of the Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) program is to recognize through certification individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of material handling at the front-line (entry-level through front-line supervisor) through successful completion of the certification assessments. The CLT program consists of two parts: The foundational-level Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) Certificate and the mid-level technical CLT Certification. Before sitting for the CLT assessment, candidates must have a CLA Certificate. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has projected there will be 50,095 CLA/CLT related positions by 2026.
- Employment options: Receiver, Receiving Clerk, Receiving Manager, Shipper, Shipping and Receiving Clerk, Shipping Clerk, Shipping Coordinator, Shipping/Receiving Clerk, Warehouseman, Bagger, Inspector Packer, Mini Shifter, Pack Out Operator, Packager, Packer, Picker and Packer, Selector Packer, Floor Supervisor, Front Line Supervisor, Receiving Lead, Receiving Supervisor, Shipping Manager, Shipping Supervisor, Terminal Operations Manager, Transportation Supervisor, Warehouse Supervisor, Dock Supervisor
Manufacturing
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has indicated there will be 537,861 manufacturing related positions in the state by 2026. IDOC offers 4 manufacturing related certifications; MSSC Certified Production Technician, Purdue University – Skills for Success Program, Welding and CNC Operator.
MSSC CPT: Advanced Manufacturing Foundational Certification
The purpose of the Certified Production Technician (CPT) program is to recognize through certification, individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of manufacturing production at the front-line (entry-level through front-line supervisor) through successful completion of the certification assessments. The CPT program consists of 4 individual certificate modules: Safety; Quality Practices & Measurement; Manufacturing Processes & Production; and Maintenance Awareness. Candidates must earn the 4 certificates to receive the full CPT certification.
- Employment options: Machine Operator, Material Handler, Press Helper, Production Worker, Assembler, Assembly Associate, Assembly Line Machine Operator, Assembly Line Worker, Assembly Operator, Certified Composites Technician (CCT), Fabricator, Operator Technician, Production Associate, Team Assembler, Support Technician
Purdue’s Manufacturing Skills for Success
Manufacturing organizations in today’s workplace expect employees to work smarter and contribute to the company’s success. To do this, employees must possess basic workplace skills, such as the ability to communicate effectively, work in teams, and think critically, as well as basic technical skills, such as the ability to read a blueprint and use common measurement tools. Students learn a wide variety of skills relevant to manufacturing through various methods, including hands-on activities and discussions. Courses are led by facilitators who have extensive experience in manufacturing. Created to tackle the skills gap, Manufacturing Skills for Success is designed for individuals new to manufacturing or the workforce. This training provides a Purdue University Certificate of Learning, MSSC Certified Production Technician Quality Certificate, and an OSHA 10 certification.
- Employment options: Machine Operator, Material Handler, Press Helper, Production Worker, Assembler, Assembly Associate, Assembly Line Machine Operator, Assembly Line Worker, Assembly Operator, Certified Composites Technician (CCT), Fabricator, Operator Technician, Production Associate, Team Assembler, Support Technician
American Welding Society – Welders
One of the best ways to advance to advance in a welding career is by earning a specialized certification. American Welding Society (AWS) certification opens up opportunities for more money, leadership roles and higher-level career challenges. AWS offers nine different certification categories, from inspectors, supervisors and educators to radiographic interpreters, welding engineers and fabricators. The AWS Welding program at Madison Correctional Facility is unique among correctional programming. This program is one of the first female correctional welding programs in the country.
- Employment options: Aluminum Welder, Fabrication Welder, Fabricator, Fitter/Welder, Maintenance Welder, Mig Welder, Sub Arc Operator, Welder, Welder-Fitter, Welder/Fabricator
National Institute for Metal Working Skills: CNC Operator
Schools, education centers, and colleges use NIMS skills standards to align curriculum to industry practices and rely on NIMS credentials as an industry-recognized validation of student comprehension and instructional quality. Education settings often use NIMS credentials as the basis for articulation, ensuring that students receive college credit for each credential earned.
- Employment options: Brake Press Operator; Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator (CNC Lathe Operator); Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator); Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator (CNC Mill Operator); Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator); Computer Numerical Control Set-Up and Operator (CNC Set-Up and Operator); Machine Operator; Machine Set-Up, Operator
Technology
The Last Mile (TLM)
The Last Mile (TLM) was created in 2014 to equip offenders with relevant job skills to propel them into tech careers when they are released. Indiana was the first state outside of California to adopt this successful coding program. The Last Mile participants learn web programming languages, such as HTML, CCS and JavaScript. Beyond these technical coding skills, they are also learn about how businesses function, working as a team, giving and accepting constructive criticism, building confidence, and how to pivot when they are heading in the wrong direction. The Last Mile program is currently operating in 5 correctional facilities in California. Indiana is the first state selected for expansion of The Last Mile program. The program kicked off in April with a ribbon cutting event attended by Governor and Mrs. Holcomb, The Last Mile Program founders, The Last Mile Board Member MC Hammer and 14 members of the inaugural coding class at the Indiana Women’s Prison. TLM currently operates in 5 facilities in Indiana (2 adult female, 2 adult male, 1 juvenile male).
- Employment options: Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Programmer Analyst, Internet Programmer, Java Developer, Programmer, Programmer Analyst, Web Applications Programmer, Web Programmer
Business Tech - IC3 Computer Core Competency
Technology has become a part of our everyday lives, and understanding how to function in environments that require the use of computers and the Internet is more critical now than ever before. The Indiana Department of Correction offers Certiport IC3 Digital Literacy Certification. This enables students to pursue IT careers and makes them more effective with technology. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has projected there will be 196,233 office and administrative support related positions by 2026.
- Employment options: IC3 is a cross-cutting career development certification which transcend occupations in the use of computer technology. It is designed to provide instruction in fundamental computer literacy in the areas of hardware, software, applications, web browsing, and internet.
Electronics

Basic Electricity
The study of electrical laws and principles pertaining to DC and AC circuits. This study will include current, voltage, resistance, power, inductance, capacitance, and transformers. The courses stresses the use of standard electrical tests, electrical equipment, and basic trouble-shooting procedures. Electrical safety and sound practices will be emphasized. Hands-on lab exercises will be completed using portable AC/DC Electrical Systems trainers.
Motors/Motor Controls
The course is designed to give each participant the necessary tools to understand and work safely with common types of electrical motors including: demonstrating safe practice procedures, identifying motors in industrial applications, identifying and describing methods for controlling motor speeds, appropriately selecting and installing motors, exploring methods of starting motors, and identifying various motor protective devices.

Vocational Training Media Releases

Vocational Training Programs

Vocational Programs

MSME- National Career Readiness Certificate

NCCER: Commercial Carpentry

MSSC CPT: Advanced Manufacturing Foundational Certification

Purdue’s Manufacturing Skills for Success

American Welding Society – Welders

National Institute for Metal Working Skills: CNC Operator

The Last Mile (TLM)

Business Tech - IC3 Computer Core Competency

Basic Electricity

Motors/Motor Controls

Vocational Training Media Releases

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