The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is hosting the Skills Demonstration and Career Expo on January 10th. This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stringfellow Unit in Rosharon, Texas.
During the Skills Demonstration and Career Expo, second-chance employers and media will have the opportunity to witness the job skills that inmates have acquired during their incarceration. Live demonstrations will be conducted in various fields such as culinary arts, electrical work, welding, and truck driving. Attendees will also have the chance to tour the classrooms and mechanical shops where inmates receive daily training. Additionally, they will be able to interact with inmates who are close to returning to their communities.
TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier stated, "The Skills Demonstration and Career Expo gives employers the opportunity to observe inmates highlighting their job skills in a hands-on environment. This gives incarcerated individuals the chance to promote themselves as work-ready upon their release while also helping increase employment opportunities for them in their communities. TDCJ's vision is to continue holding events like this so more employers can see the great things happening behind the fences."
One of the primary goals for TDCJ is to have 95 percent of the inmate population employed prior to their release by the year 2030. The Skills Demonstration and Career Expo is seen as a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
This event is a collaborative effort between TDCJ, Windham School District, and Central Texas College.
The Skills Demonstration and Career Expo provides an invaluable opportunity for employers to witness the job skills of inmates firsthand. By attending this event, employers can observe the talents and capabilities of incarcerated individuals in a practical setting. This not only benefits the inmates by giving them a chance to showcase their skills but also increases their chances of finding employment upon their release.
The TDCJ Skills Demonstration and Career Expo is an important initiative that aims to create more employment opportunities for inmates and help them reintegrate into society successfully. By providing them with the necessary training and skills, TDCJ is working towards its vision of a future where the majority of inmates are employed before their release. Through the collaboration of TDCJ, Windham School District, and Central Texas College, this event is set to make a significant impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals and their communities.
Click this link to access more information: https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/connections/-articles/2024/20240103_Skills_Expo.html