Career and Technical Education Programs
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is provided in seven 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) training programs provide the highly effective rehabilitative experience as proven by state and national research studies. CDCR CTE uses the intellectual and physical rigor of training in the trades to improve the mindset and prosocial skills of CDCR residents. 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.
Note: Incarcerated individuals may be eligible to earn Milestone Completion Credit(s) in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 15.
CTE Programs
- Building Maintenance
- Carpentry
- Construction 101
- Electronics
- Electrical
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
- Laborer
- Masonry
- Micro Homes Advanced Construction
- Painting (Industrial)
- Plumbing
- Roofing
- Welding
Digital Literacy
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Audio Video Production
- Web Development Coding
- Machine Shop
- Sheet Metal
- Auto Body
- Auto Mechanics
- Small Engine Repair
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)
- AWS – American Welding Society
- ASE – (Automotive Service Excellence) Certifications
- EETC – Engine and Equipment Training Council Certification
- ETA – Electronic Technician Association Certifications in Network Cabling with Copper and Fiber Optic cabling, telecommunications, and low-voltage electronics systems
- NCCER – National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) – apprenticeship requirement for National Association of Building Trades Unions (NABTU)
- (NIMS) National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- OPEESA – Small Engine Power Repair Certifications
- OSHA-10 – health and workplace safety
- IC³ – Computing Fundamentals
- CCNA – Cisco Network Academy
- Azure / AWS Network Management
- Microsoft Office Specialist – Expert
- DMI / AMA – Digital Marketing Institute and American Marketing Association
- MasterCam and SolidWorks
- 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
(916) 445-8035