A new Automotive Technology Program is underway at the Department of Correction in Milford with the goal of getting inmates trained for the workforce upon exiting prison.
"Through this innovative program, inmates will develop the skills they will need to get their foot in the door of an automotive repair facility upon release," Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement. "Along the way, they will develop crucial elements for success such as learning to work with others as part of a team and the tools to support themselves and their families."
The program began last week, and will provide inmates with skills and certifications that they can use to gain employment upon their release back into the community, according to a release from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Inmates enrolled in this program will work in an automotive repair garage atmosphere and become familiar with the tools of the auto repair trade and terminology used in the field. This 10-month program will provide students with instruction in basic repair and preventative maintenance of vehicles. Students will be taught procedures on shop operation, safety, tool usage and looking up vehicle service data and specifications.
Students will also receive OSHA 10 General Industries training to obtain an OSHA certification card, and will earn a Mobile Air Conditioning (MACS) Certification; a Certificate of Completion which will list the amount of hours spent in the program, and will prepare participants to take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) General 1 test for Auto Maintenance and Light Repair.
This article originally appeared on wbjournal.com
