California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, Featured Stories, Rehabilitation

CALCTRA grads earn job certifications at LAC

November 10, 2026

CALCTRA graduates at California State Prison, Los Angeles County.

The California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) in partnership with CDCR hosted a graduation at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC).

Graduates took an important step toward building brighter futures after earning certifications and apprenticeships in Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, Commercial Laundry, Data Entry and Maintenance Mechanics.

CALCTRA provides hands-on job training programs that offer industry accredited certifications. Graduates gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help them pursue employment and build pathways toward long-term career opportunities.

Suzie Changus at LAC. — *CALCTRA Director Suzie Changus*

“Today is our opportunity to celebrate all of you, to recognize you among your peers, mentors, family and friends,” said CALCTRA Director Suzie Changus “What you accomplish every day is not the easier path, it takes work ethic, discipline, and a mindset that will serve you far beyond today and these walls.”

Tom Lackey, assembly member, at the LAC CALCTRA graduation. — *Assemblyman Tom Lackey*

Assemblymember Tom Lackey attended the graduation ceremony and recognized the participants’ achievements.

“I am so excited to be here today as this is one of my last events in the Legislature,” said Assemblymember Lackey. “We are all cheering for you. There are many of us that believe you can change, and you must believe you can change, or nothing else matters.”

Choosing success

Warden Brian Allo at California State Prison, Los Angeles County. — *Warden Brian Allo*

LAC Warden Brian Allo also shared a few words at the ceremony.

“Today we are here to honor a group of individuals who made a choice to step forward to develop new skills and put in the hard work necessary to succeed in this CALCTRA program,” said Allo. “Earning certifications is not a small feat with all the challenges you face day to day. But, you are all determined and have made great choices to push forward.”

David Tucker, CALCTRA success story. — *David Tucker*

David Tucker, who was formerly incarcerated more than 30 years ago, has since become a CALCTRA success story. He delivered the keynote address. Tucker participated in the CALCTRA Commercial Dive program at California Institution for Men, where he trained as a commercial diver. After returning to his community, he moved to New Orleans. There he joined a major commercial diving company and began his career in the offshore energy industry.

Over the following decades, Tucker built a career as an entrepreneur and business leader in the offshore energy industry. He is now the CEO and Founder of Emergency Safety Solutions.

Former graduate: ‘Keep educating yourself’

“The fact that you signed up for this program is an incredible first step. You guys have taken the first step and it’s a journey,” said Tucker. “If you have more time to do, keep getting those certifications, keep educating yourself, and you will grow. I am really proud of you, dig in and keep going.”

A CALCTRA Healthcare Facilities Maintenance program participant also shared a few words at the graduation in front of staff, peers and family.

“I am the lead clerk here in the Healthcare Facilities Maintenance program,” said Jeffrey Hunter. “Year after year CALCTRA has provided training for us that we can take with us when we return home. I know this to be true because I am a living example of CALCTRA’s efforts.”

By Stephanie Eres, CALCTRA public information officer