Dale Bass – Kamloops This Week
His face is obscured to protect his privacy, but the young man’s resolve to turn his life around is clear.
Incarcerated at Kamloops Regional Corrections Centre, he is one of six inmates to take part in an educational program that brings Thompson Rivers University trades instructors to the west Kamloops prison to teach various skills.
“I think this is a great program considering that I haven’t had many opportunities to do this in my life, considering I’m in corrections,” the young man said on a government video. “It’s a good, good program, considering this could be the opportunity I need not to come back.”
That opportunity involves completing TRU’s level one construction craft program, which led to the inmates successfully writing the required exam to obtain an apprenticeship in the Red Seal trade
Heather Hamilton, TRU’s manager of industry and contract training, said the program — which ran from November to mid-January — accomplishes two goals. It addresses the skills shortage in the province and it gives inmates training that might help them find jobs and turn their lives around.
Hamilton referenced research that has shown quality education is one of the most effective tools to deter young people from returning to crime after release from prison.
Lindsay Langill, TRU’s dean of trades and technology, said if a life-changing event is to occur with young people behind bars, “it needs to be through education and vocational-education programs.”
Cindy Rose, a spokeswoman for B.C. Corrections, said the initiative is one of many programs offered to inmates to build work skills. B.C. Corrections considers availability of the program and suitability of the participants, Rose said. KRCC and B.C. Corrections will look at the success of the program to determine if it will continue.
The program included operating and maintaining small tools and equipment; excavation, backfilling and compaction; scaffolding; blueprint-reading; surveying; skid-steer and mini-excavator certification; and traffic control. Students also received level one first-aid and construction safety training systems certification.
Students were also given safety boots, goggles, pants, a high-visibility vest, hard hat and work gloves.
Trades instructor Bob Ryl said the students were happy to learn new skills, seemed more confident and had “more optimism about what’s going to be in their future.”
Corrections supervisor Melody Shepherd echoed Ryl, noting the program gives the men the opportunity to get certification that opens up job opportunities. She said TRU is working with potential employers to make the transition from incarceration to freedom and a job easier.
Another unidentified participant also praised the program and potential it provides.
“What an opportunity this has been,” he said. “I hope others will be able to benefit from this program in the future. Even though I knew some of the stuff, the actual tickets will help me secure work — no question.”