Vocational program participants learn valuable skills and may receive certifications, preparing them for employment opportunities in the community. Vocational opportunities include Culinary Arts, Bakery, Commercial Laundry, Healthcare Service Assistant Training, Industrial Sewing, Landscape Maintenance, Construction Trades, Bicycle Shop and CIVICS Landscape.
Bakery
The Bakery program is a 6 month program divided in two parts; production and catering. In addition to learning about safety, sanitation, terminology, weights and measurements, students will learn how to use industrial size equipment (i.e mixers and ovens). These are used to create items from specific recipes such as dinner rolls, hamburger buns, bread sticks, etc. When learning about catering, students will learn specific recipes for cookies, cinnamon rolls, as well as other baked goods and learn how to be creative to decorate cakes. Students who complete this program will earn a certificate from the National Restaurant Association. In partnership with Southwestern College, participants will receive College Credits upon completion of this program.
Bicycle Shop
The Bicycle program provides students practical instruction and hands-on experience in the functions of bicycle repair and mechanics via lecture and video. Donated bicycles are refurbished and distributed back to the community through nonprofit organizations. Students learn pedal replacement, wheel truing, replacement of broken spokes, hub overhaul and replacement, brake system adjustment and maintenance, derailleur system maintenance and much more.
Commercial Laundry
The Commercial Laundry program provides students practical instruction and hands-on experience in various commercial laundry operations. Students work in a variety of different areas of laundry, such as: receiving and sorting garments for cleaning, operating and controlling industrial washing machines and drying machines, preparing products for storage and dispatch.
Community Involved Vocational Incarcerated Crew Services
The Community Involved Vocational Inmate Crew Services (CIVICS) program is a partnership between the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department in an effort to complete various park projects throughout the county. Students in this program participate in planting initiatives at county parks, irrigation development, weed abatement, storm water runoff and erosion control, wildfire prevention and brush clearing. They also grow and maintain various kinds of plants and trees located at the East Mesa Reentry Facility Greenhouse. Selected students in this program may assist in the Reentry Works Farm Stand event that occurs twice per year.
Construction Trades
The Construction Trades program provides students with practical, commercial-level experience in the construction field. Students work on such projects as carpentry, masonry-concrete, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, welding and other areas of expertise involving tenant improvements, remodeling and small building structures. Students in this program are able to receive an OSHA certificate, as well as an HVAC certificate, if time requirements are met. This may also provide students a pathway into the Southwestern Carpenter's Union post release.
Culinary Arts
Students in this program work in the kitchen and the coffee cart. Students in these programs learn about sanitation, safety, terminology, weights and measurements, functions of ingredients, recipes and formulas. At our reentry facilities, the Culinary Arts program is designed around the National Restaurant Association’s Manage First curriculum. Students will participate in a 6 month program of classes, as well as work 800 hours in the kitchen/dining room. Students who pass all 6 mastery tests earn a Manage First Professional certificate that is nationally recognized, as well as a Barista certificate. In partnership with local community colleges, participants will receive College Credits upon completion of this program.
Discover the pivotal role our reentry programs, including Culinary Arts, in empowering Maribel De La Rosa to change for the better and continue a path to new beginnings.
Healthcare Service Assistant Training
The Healthcare Service Assistant Training (HSAT) program provides students with training on standard medical facility cleaning. In collaboration with Grossmont Adult Education, training is provided on custodial maintenance equipment and techniques, in order to maintain the cleanliness of the facility and to meet all regulatory standards. The HSAT program is comprised of classroom training on terminology, cleaning methods, standard practices and OSHA requirements. Participants also spend time each day performing on-the job training in medical areas of the facility.
Industrial Sewing
The Industrial Sewing program offers students practical experience in a commercial sewing environment. Education in pattern-making, cutting, sewing, and other practical methods are provided. Students in the program make all uniforms for all of the jails, tablecloths, napkins, face coverings, and other special projects such as Honorbands. This program not only teaches students how to sew, but also inventory of materials and equipment, how to inspect final products and how to manage special projects.