Baker Technical Institute empowers inmates with valuable workforce skills
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, January 12th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY — In a significant milestone for inmate rehabilitation and workforce development, Warner Creek Correctional Facility recently marked the successful completion of its first Baker Technical Institute (BTI) Heavy Equipment Operator course. Twelve adults in custody (AICs) received certificates after undergoing a rigorous training program that not only equipped them with essential skills but also opened doors to potential employment upon release.
Led by BTI instructor Thomas Joseph, the program covers a diverse range of certifications, including Heavy Equipment Operation, Traffic Control/Flagging, Forklift Operation, and CPR/First Aid/AED. The participants, who spent approximately two full weeks on heavy equipment simulators, transitioned from virtual learning to hands-on experience with both tire-based and steel track heavy equipment.
BTI’s training program, developed in collaboration with industry leaders, ensures that the curriculum is comprehensive and relevant. Utilizing CAT Simulators and drawing from Caterpillar and the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the program aims to provide practical skills in heavy highway construction—a sector currently experiencing significant demand.
“The goal is to provide viable workforce training and skills in an employment sector that is booming right now, which is not only good for local economies but should cut down on recidivism as well,” said Joseph.
BTI has been partnering with the Department of Corrections for two years, delivering training to 12 AICs per academy. Students undergo simulator-based learning, covering safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and machine-specific tasks on equipment such as Loaders, Graders, Dozers, Excavators, Backhoes, and Skid-steers.
In addition to heavy equipment operation, students are certified in basic forklift operation, traffic-control flagging, First-aid, CPR, AED, Stop the Bleed, and Excavation Safety. At selected sites, the DOC allows BTI to bring in actual heavy equipment, providing AICs with a week of hands-on experience in a “land lab” setting.
Baker Technical Institute has successfully provided training at various correctional institutions, including Powder River Correctional Institute, Snake River Correctional Institute, Eastern Oregon Correctional Institute, Two Rivers Correctional Institute, Deer Ridge Correctional Institute, and Coffee Creek Correctional Institute.
“Each time a DOC site wishes BTI to provide training, they get literally dozens and dozens of applicants,” said Joseph. “They choose 12 each time who have met certain behavioral and aptitude criteria, and who will also be released within the next year or so to maximize the training and employment opportunities.”
The program is funded through a grant the Oregon DOC has through the Department of Justice to fund additional education and workforce development programs and partnered with BTI as a contracted educational service provider.
Joseph says the experience just isn’t valuable to the inmates, but for BTI employees as well.
“Our staff often comment that the AICs are literally their favorite students to work with,” said Joseph. “They are highly engaged and sincerely appreciate the opportunities the grant and our training can provide.”
