Tuesday morning, the Daviess County Detention Center presented certificates to the first class of women inmates to complete the jail’s workforce readiness program.
Four woman received certificates, signifying they had completed the work skills program. Amanda Alvey, one of the graduates, said finding work can be difficult.
“With a felony record, it’s harder to find employment — not impossible, but harder,” Alvey said. The program “has been beneficial in helping me.”
Alvey said the program would be a bigger aid to inmates who are new to the job market.
“I have a lot of job experience in my past,” she said, “so this was a refresher.”
The program, in which inmates take online classes on information technology, problem solving, personal development, job skills and other areas, is a collaboration between the jail, Owensboro Community & Technical College, the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp., the city and county and local businesses.
The curriculum is certified by OCTC. The program is for low-level, nonviolent inmates.
A group of male inmates also completed the program Tuesday. As part of the program, the inmates are interviewed by local businesses that are actively looking for workers and can offer jobs to class participants upon their release.