California Prison Industry Authority, Rehabilitation

CALPIA job certifications, apprenticeships earned at CIW

August 27, 2024

In front of family and friends, dozens of women received their job certifications and apprenticeships after completing the California Prison Industry Authority’s (CALPIA) job training programs at the California Institution for Women (CIW).

CALPIA, in partnership with CDCR, California Correctional Health Care Services, The Last Mile and the trade unions, held a ceremony to recognize each graduate’s accomplishment.

Bill Davidson at the CALPIA graduation inside CIW. — CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson

“Today is all about you and the great work you have done,” said CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson. “You set your mind to do something and applied for a position within a CALPIA program and you are here today because you have accomplished that.”

Davidson was one of the featured speakers at the graduation along with acting Chief Deputy Warden Nonita Machado.

Chief deputy warden speaks to graduates at CIW. — Nonita Machado, acting chief deputy warden

“I am so proud of each of you and the certifications that you have achieved,” said acting Chief Deputy Warden Machado. “We all want you all to be success stories when you return to your communities.”

Also attending the event, were three Prison Industry Board Members including Kyle Patterson, Katherine Minnich and Troy Vaughn along with CDCR’s Director of Parole Jason Johnson.

Graduates were honored for completing programs that included pre-apprentice construction labor, computer coding, clothing and textiles, and healthcare facilities maintenance.

Sharing stories of success

Three women on a stage at CIW for the CALPIA job certifications graduation. — Three former graduates returned to share their stories.

Three former CALPIA graduates returned to CIW and shared their stories of success including Vera Marin who is now a Project Superintendent for a large construction company. Vera climbed the ranks in the construction industry and her training started at CIW.

“I participated in pre-apprentice construction and carpentry programs and did everything I could to help me when I got out,” said Marin. “I learned those valuable life skills through CALPIA that helped build my confidence and furthered my career.”

Another former graduate, Amalia Bryant says it was through the CALPIA and The Last Mile computer coding program that helped her succeed as a software engineer.

“When I was here at CIW the opportunity came up for me to do a PIA program. I participated in construction laborers, carpentry and eventually computer coding,” said Bryant. “Those were some amazing experiences and the number one piece of advice that I must give is to utilize all the resources available to you at CIW. If you can do it in here, you can do it out there.”

The final success story was Sophia Brown who is now the Reentry Case Coordinator for the United Way. Brown who is mother of four, grandmother of eight and great grandmother of one said the United Way gave her that chance when she returned home, and she feels humbled to help people who are experiencing the same struggles she once had.

“I worked in CALPIA’s Dental Lab at Central California Women’s Facility, and that job saved my life because it gave me a reason to get up every morning,” said Brown. “I found my purpose and I knew I was going to be productive and help people.”

CALPIA certifications help job seekers after CIW release

Group photo of CALIA graduates and staff at CIW. — CALPIA graduates and staff at CIW.

The industry accredited certifications help incarcerated individuals find meaningful employment when returning to their communities and Davidson said that’s what it’s all about.

“This is the beginning of your career,” added Davidson. “It all starts here with your job training and that will transition and transfer into employment opportunities as you leave prison. Never underestimate the importance and significance of what you have accomplished.”

By Michele Kane, Assistant General Manager, External Affairs