MDOC offers vocational training opportunities throughout our adult facilities. Vocational programming is taught by teachers and Vocational Trades Instructors (VTI). Residents are equipped with gainful employment skills in trades and vocations. These programs combine classroom time with hands-on and on-the-job training.
Business Studies
This program allows residents to earn college credits through Southern Maine Community College by completing courses such as introduction to Business, Personal Finance and Business Law.
Work Ready
WorkReady is a workforce training program designed to prepare residents for the attitudinal and disciplinary rigors of employment and to provide a highly structured simulated work environment that encourages the behavior required for workplace success.
Successful residents will receive a credential issued by the Maine DOE and recognized by employers throughout the state.
NCCER
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) program provides residents with the basic skills needed to continue education in any craft they choose.
Students who complete this program earn an industry-recognized credential.
NCCER graduates can pursue further training programs such as a building trades and carpentry apprenticeship.
**For more information about apprenticeship opportunities, please visit (https://www.maine.gov/labor/jobs_training/apprenticeship/)
Flagging
This is a one-time course that provides residents with a certification card through the Maine Department of Transportation.
OSHA-10
The purpose of the OSHA-10 program is to promote workplace safety and health. It is a tool that can be used to make workers more knowledgeable about their rights related to workplace safety and health and overall workplace hazards.
At the end of the course, residents earn a certificate of completion and an OSHA-10 card.
Computer Coding
Residents learn to code, build projects and earn certifications (including HTML, JavaScript, C++, Python, etc.) through freeCodeCamp.
Culinary Program
Residents in these programs learn basic food preparation skills as well as the fundamentals of working in a restaurant, such as menu development and sanitation procedures.
Residents can earn the ServSafe certification and can apply for the Culinary Apprenticeship Program.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Residents can complete training in the following areas:
- Master Gardening – This is taught through UMaine Cooperative Extension. Residents must complete 40 hours of volunteer horticulture work and earn a Master Gardener Volunteer Certification.
- Bee Keeping – Residents learn how tend to existing beehives.
- Pesticide Applicators - This is taught through UMaine Cooperative Extension and residents can earn a Private Pesticide Applicator License.
- Composting
- Recycling
Yoga Instructor
Residents complete a 200-hour training program, completion an apprenticeship and earn a yoga teaching certification.
Peer Tutor
Residents are training by the Petey Greene program to become certified tutors.
Residents are given paid positions within the education Department to provide instruction to other residents who are working towards earning a High School Equivalency Diploma.
American Vet Dogs
Residents complete a 4000-hour, 2-year dog training certification, which allows them to obtain employment in any vet clinic.
Welding
The welding program prepares residents for an entry-level welding career using the NCCER Welding curriculum followed by an elective American Welding Society (AWS) proficiency test.
This program prepares residents for entry-level employment in the steel working, construction, or building trades throughout the United States and several other countries.
Automotive
Residents work through the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) program and can earn the ASE entry level or master level certification, including the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Certification.
This program also has an apprenticeship opportunity.
Wood Harvesting/Certified Logging Professional
This program prepares residents to work safely, productively, and in a manner that protects, enhances and sustains the forest. Students earn a Certified Logging Professional Certification.
Residents can also enter an apprenticeship in which they start as helpers and work their way up to a field inspection from a CLP certifier.
Small Engines
Residents learn the inner workings of a motor, including taking a motor apart and repair. Welding instruction is also part of this program.