NCJ Number
103294
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling, Services and Rehabilitation Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: (Summer 1986) Pages: 49-60
Date Published
1986
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study identified the rehabilitative and custodial contributions of inmate vocational training as perceived by 211 male inmates enrolled in vocational training programs in Southern Michigan's State prison in 1979.
Abstract
The questionnaire administered to each inmate solicited information on prior and current experience with vocational training, attitudes about training benefits in general and for the respondent in particular, and demographic information. Respondents tended to be older, more experienced with the prison system, and disadvantaged in the job market due to race and skills deficits. Although the inmates generally agreed that a vocational skill helps in finding a job with good pay, they were not optimistic about finding a full-time job with good advancement opportunities. Two-thirds of the respondents expected some employment-related benefits from training. Those least optimistic about vocational gains were enrolled in custodian training, and those most optimistic about employment benefits were enrolled in the welding program. Short-term in-prison benefits of the vocational training were perceived as keeping busy, improving oneself, and gaining respect from others. The findings suggest that the cost-effectiveness of training programs should be measured by the in-prison benefits as well as the employment-related benefits after release. 3 tables and 12 references.