Iowa Workforce and Partners Prepare Inmates for Their Employment Future

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DES MOINES - Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Correctional Institution for Women, and the Iowa Department of Corrections will sponsor a Job Fair at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville, on Friday, May 19, 2006, from 10:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. The jointly sponsored Job Fair is provided at no charge to local employers.

“This is an excellent opportunity to have a direct impact on the future of these women. By preparing now for their future employment, they will be well position to make a positive economic impact on their community”, indicated Iowa Workforce Development Interim Director Dave Neil.

The Iowa Correctional Institution for Women has provided job training opportunities in the following career areas: clerical, printing, storeroom stockers, inventory, shipping and receiving, construction, maintenance, landscaping, dietary, laundry services and trades work.

“We are excited about this collaborative effort with Workforce Development in bringing this Job Fair to ICIW. Our offenders have benefited from this opportunity to learn how to prepare for job searches when they are released and will be able to apply the skills learned on May 19th”, stated Diann Wilder-Tomlinson, Warden, Iowa Correctional Institution for Women.

The job fair team has received commitments from 13 employers and 100 inmates who plan to attend. Employment packets will be provided to the inmates outlining job search skills, resume tips, cover letters, and how to appropriately explain their past. All involved are looking forward to reintegrating these women successfully back into the community.