CI Partnerships
As a Division of the Washington State Department of Corrections, Correctional Industries (CI) provides work training opportunities to incarcerated individuals. The goal is simple, prepare individuals for successful reentry and post-release employment through on-the-job and essential skills training. To meet this goal, CI is certified by the Federal Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to administer Prison Industry Enhancement (PIE) Certification Programs, which provide exemptions from interstate commerce restrictions of prisoner-made goods. The Revised Code of Washington RCW 72.09.100 defines this program as Class I: Free Venture Industries. Simply put, Class I operations are an opportunity for private businesses to partner with CI in the production of goods and services for sale to both the public and private sector.
Partnership Opportunity
Whether your business is seeking growth opportunities or looking to bring back offshore manufacturing, a Class I Partnership may be the workforce solution you need. As a Class I partner, your business will benefit from a skilled and dependable workforce while maintaining the high level of quality your customers expect. CI’s skilled workforce can provide manufacturing support in any one of our existing trades or we can adapt production to meet your specific business demand.
The Class I employer model is operated and managed in total or in part by any profit or nonprofit organization in accordance with an agreement between the organization and CI.
When you partner with CI, not only does your business receive a valuable product or service, you are also helping to reduce recidivism. When incarcerated individuals release from prison as well-trained and employment ready individuals they have a higher chance of successful reentry within their community.
The Trades Related Apprenticeship Coaching (TRAC) program provides students with hands-on training specific to construction craft laborers, plasterers, cement masons, carpenters, and ironworkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skilled Workforce
Correctional Industries provides incarcerated indivduals with relevant job training opportunities and a diverse set of work development experiences. From classroom training to on-the-job training, they learn skills ranging from basic social skills to highly technical computer skills.
In addition to learning technical skills, participants are expected to successfully complete a 20-hour cognitive behavioral training. Focused on workplace behaviors and expectations, incarcerated individuals learn how to deal with change, self-control, choices and consequences, and dealing with criticism. These skills help ensure success while they are working for Correctional Industries, as well as in their transition into the community.
Technical Skils
- Assembly
- Fabrication
- Carpentry
- Food packaging
- Painting
- Upholstery
- Sewing
- Welding
Soft Skills
- Positive attitude
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Accept criticism
- Work ethic
- Flexible/adaptable
Everyone Benefits
Benefits extend far beyond the products and services provided. Your Class I partnership also offers economic benefits to the public. While working for Class I operations, incarcerated individuals earn at least minimum wage, pay state and federal taxes, contribute to a crime victims fund, contribute to the cost of their incarceration, child support, and a mandatory savings account.
Mandatory Deductions
- 20% Cost of incarceration
- 5% Crime victims compensation
- 10% Mandatory savings
Additional Deductions
- 15% Child support
- 15% Civil judgement
- 20% Legal financial obligations
