A sense of accomplishment reigned the day for pre-apprenticeship grads

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) held a pre-apprenticeship graduation in the local gymnasium.

What is a pre-apprenticeship?

If you have a keen interest in construction, the pre-apprenticeship program is the key to successfully getting your career started. This program offers you the opportunity to go directly into an apprenticeship with on-the-job training with pay. There are a multitude of opportunities here, such as forklift cert, scissor lift cert, fire proofing cert, fall protection, CPR, OSHA 10 certifications, among many other benefits.

Fifteen of CCWF’s residents felt the highs of their accomplishments as they witnessed their hard work, time, and effort be appreciated.

At around 9:00 a.m., the graduating class slowly trickled into the gym. As they entered, they were surprised by the decorations that were laid out before them. The tables held handcrafted centerpieces that were purple, white, and gold. A mix of pop music echoed in the background, as the graduates made their way around the room, mingling and making introductions.

The room was occupied not only by the graduates but also by Construction Training Rehabilitation Program (CTRP) formally known as Inmate Day Laborer (IDL) Darren Morris, Superintendent III, Terri Huie, Construction Supervisor II (CSIl), Emilie Bard, OSHA Instructor; Josh Flowers, Construction Sup. II (CSIl); Jesse Rios, MCR Pre-Apprenticeship Instructor; Perla Ponce, CCWF’s Correctional Business Manager I (CBM I); and Tradesman Amanda Perez, Paul Cleary, Robbie Robinson, and Chris Roman.

Special among the guests were family members of graduates. When graduate Nancy Barrientos walked in, her family greeted her. Every face in the room held a smile as they looked on at the heartfelt embrace. “I’m excited and happy that my family is with me,” Barrientos stated, speaking about her sisters.

Later that morning those same gym doors opened up for Sara Sims’ family, as her mother and stepfather walked in. “I feel a sense of accomplishment; it gives me strength,” Sims said emotionally, as she hugged her mother.

As the graduates walked about the room introducing their families to everyone, CTRP Tradesman Amanda Perez snapped photos, capturing intimate moments. Meanwhile, Emilie Bard, OSHA Instructor, presented the graduates with their OSHA 10 cards, with looks of accomplishment on their faces, they graciously accepted.

“I really don’t like microphones,” stated Darren Morris as he made his way to the stage. Morris announced that IWL is now called CTRP and that they are overseeing the pre-apprenticeship program. Darren spoke of how the graduates were going above and beyond. He welcomed and recognized the families that were able to join the ceremony. In his closing, he introduced CCWF’s own Correctional Business Manager I, Perla Ponce.

“I want to thank all of you for your hard work,” Ponce said as she spoke of the many projects that CTRP has accomplished for the institution over the years.

Darren made his way back to the stage and acknowledged CCWF’s staff, corrections officers, administration and tradesmen for their time and effort. “There’s a big effort that keeps our train moving,” said Darren as he introduced Jesse Rios, pre-apprenticeship instructor.

“I’m proud of you girls. You are the first 100% graduating class,” Rios said. He spoke on the importance of a pre-apprenticeship and how having it allows you to go directly into an apprenticeship program without having to take the apprenticeship entry test. He also spoke of the tangible benefits of the program, like how it makes you more marketable, and how you can earn money while getting on the job training as a tradesman.

As Rios stepped to the side, Darren walked back on the stage. “You’re clearly responsible for the success and failure for your future,” were the final words Darren left the graduates with before introducing CSII Terri Huie. Huie, along with Rios, presented the graduates with their certificates of completion, fall protection, OSHA 10, and fork lift/ scissor lift, among other certifications.

As the day neared its end, everyone made their way to the tables, awaiting the still—hot Costco pizza, sodas, white sheet cake, and strawberries. As the graduates made their way to the tables to be served, conversations of gratification were heard throughout the room.

At the closing, Perez pulled up a cart filled with backpacks and water bottles. The excitement on the faces of the graduates was priceless. Perez randomly drew names from a hat, giving some selected graduates first dibs at what choice and color of backpack and water bottle they wanted.

Congratulations to the graduates: Rosemary Heather Miller, Judith Ramirez, Nancy Rodriguez, Yvonne Keith, Elaine Deleonguerrero, Sara Sims, Nancy Barrientos, My Nguyen, Porche’ Wright, Cindy Dubose, Rachel Henderson, Otilia Pineda, Tamara Basset t, Misun Yoo, and Brenda Bowers.