Career and Technical Education Programs
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is provided through six different career sectors that include building and construction, business and finance, information and communication technologies, fashion and interior design, manufacturing and product development, and transportation.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Essential Training Programs are evidenced-based rehabilitative programs with state and national research data demonstrating CTE Essential Training Programs are highly effective rehabilitative experiences and the best return on investment for taxpayers of any correctional rehabilitative program. CDCR CTE uses the intellectual and physical rigor of training in the trades to improve the mindset and prosocial skills of CDCR residents.
CTE Digital Training Programs advance career training for incarcerated persons. The variety of digital training courses can lead to digital careers and those who want to remain relevant in other careers. All CTE training programs are taught by journey level craft professionals, and result in industry-recognized certifications. Career training options are evaluated annually to ensure that there are 1,000s of jobs available for graduates in high-road trades that will predictably move them in to the middle class of income earners.
CTE Programs
| Trades | Industry Certifications | |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Building Maintenance / General Construction | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Electrician | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Electronics | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning (HVAC) and Refrigeration | First year NCCER apprentice, EPA 608🍃, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Masonry | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Painting – Industrial | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Plumbing | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Roofing | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Welding | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment🍃,” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | |
| Laborer | First year NCCER apprentice, Your Role in the Green Environment🍃, OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR | Installing 2024 |
| Trades | Industry Certifications | |
|---|---|---|
| Internet and Computing Core Certification Global Standard 6 | IC3GS6 | |
| Microsoft Office Specialist – Expert | Outlook Associate, PowerPoint Associate, Word Associate & Expert, Excel Associate & Expert | Installing 2026-2027 |
| CAD / CAM | MasterCam, SolidWorks, CamInstructor | Installing 2026-2027 |
| Trades | Industry Certifications |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology / Manicurist | California State Cosmetologist License, California State Manicurist License |
| Barbering / Manicurist | California State Barber License, California State Manicurist License |
| Trades | Industry Certifications | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio and Video Production | The Last Mile | |
| Cloud Management | Azure / AWS | Installing 2027-2028 |
| Network Management | CCNA (Cisco Network Academy) | Installing 2027-2028 |
| Trades | Industry Certifications |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Design and Engineering | HAAS Mill and Lathe, MasterCam, Solidworks |
| Sheet Metal | First year NCCER apprentice, “Your Role In The Green Environment,🍃” OSHA 10, MC3, First Aid / CPR |
| Trades | Industry Certifications | |
|---|---|---|
| Automobile Technician | ASE Maintenance and Light Repair, ASE Auto Engine Repair, ASE Auto Brakes, ASE Auto Steering and Suspension, EPA 609🍃 | |
| Autobody Collision Repair / Autobody Paint | I-Car Non-structural Technician Pro Level 1, I-Car Refinish Technician Pro Level 1 | |
| Small Engine Technician | EETC Two Stroke, EETC Four Stroke, EETC Electrical, EETC Driveline, EETC Compact Diesel, EETC Generator, EETC Reel Technician | |
| Diesel and Hydraulic Systems Technician | Cummins, Caterpillar, with California DMV Class A Drivers Permit | Installing 2027-2028 |
The CDCR is actively involved in promoting nationally recognized certifications and apprenticeships as a means to validate training programs. Below is a list of license and certifications that may be earned by our students.
- A/C Refrigeration / Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification (Section 608 EPA Certification Program)
- ASE – (Automotive Service Excellence) Certifications
- EETC – Engine and Equipment Training Council Certification
- NCCER – National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) – Comprehensive pre-apprentice training curriculum developed and approved by the Building Trades National Apprenticeship
- OSHA-10 – health and workplace safety
- IC3GS6 – Computing Fundamentals
- CCNA – Cisco Network Academy
- Azure / AWS Network Management
- Microsoft Office Specialist – Associate and Expert
- MasterCam, SolidWorks, CamInstructor
- Barber / Cosmetologist / Manicurist Licenses
Locations
Size, mission, and available space at each CDCR institution determine the location of CTE programs.
Program Length
CTE programs are open-entry/open-exit, and provide rigorous training in each trade so that all students achieve the knowledge and skills of the trade equivalent to the end of a first year apprentice. The programs can range from 6-18 months and when completed successfully, leading to an industry-recognized certification.
Eligibility/Enrollment
There are no eligibility requirements for CTE enrollment, but prioritization occurs for students with fewer than five years to serve and an identified employment training need. Institution classification committees consider a variety of factors when assigning students to CTE programs, including assessed risk and criminogenic need, estimated release date, and individual goals and interests.
Contact Information
(279) 223-1500