Returning to everyday life from jail or prison is a challenging transition for many people, as well as their families and local community. People who have previously been incarcerated are more likely to struggle with substance abuse, lack of education, and limited job skills. 

Research has shown that programs which help recently released individuals find employment actually help—recidivism drops to as low as 3.3% for those who find a job soon after release from prison. That same research suggests nearly 3 out of 4 people end up back in jail if they struggle to find immediate employment. 

At I-TAP, we are big believers that anyone with the desire to work towards earning a good-paying job should have every possible opportunity to fulfill their goals. 

A 2014 law provides funding for ex-offenders who wish to take part in vocational training. 

In September of 2014, Governor Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 2060, the Supervised Population Workforce Training Grant Program. AB-2060 gives California counties grant money to disperse to recently released prisoners who are looking to attend a vocational school. Specifically, the bill provides funding for vocational training, stipends for trainees, and apprenticeship opportunities for the supervised population. 

The “supervised population” includes people who are on parole, probation, mandatory supervision, or post-release community supervision by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Lawmakers and researchers agree: workforce training and employment are two of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism rates.

And we are proud to say that I-TAP’s electrician apprenticeship program is one of the many vocational training opportunities available to parolees who wish to secure a better future for themselves and their families.

I-TAP can help you take advantage of the Department of Rehabilitation's vocational funding.

If you are interested in attending I-TAP and need the financial assistance provided by AB-2060, give us a call or fill out our online form. We have extensive experience in requesting and obtaining government funding for our students. If you want to attend vocational training school and become a certified electrician, I-TAP is here to help!