Supporting Reentry Workforce Success
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
WDBSCW Supports Reentry Population through Collaboration with Training and Career Development Programs
A powerful collaboration between the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW), Madison College, and the Department of Corrections (DOC) is giving justice-involved individuals a second chance—one built on skills, confidence, and opportunity. By offering training in high-demand fields like Electromechanical Technology and Construction Essentials, the initiative is helping participants gain credentials, find meaningful employment, and prepare for life beyond incarceration, and be a contributing member of the workforce.
Transforming Lives with Hands-On Training
A key component of this initiative is the hands-on education that builds real-world skills. The Electromechanical Technology program at Madison College is designed to prepare individuals for in-demand roles in industries like electrical maintenance, fabrication, and industrial power—laying the groundwork for long-term career success.
Peter Dettmer, Department Chair for Industrial Technology at Madison College, oversees the program, which includes a two-year associate’s degree and shorter diploma tracks tailored to different skill levels. He believes the blend of applied learning and instructor expertise makes all the difference.
“The opportunity these students have to work with hands-on equipment, the expertise of instructors, and even intro classes, gives them a great baseline,” Dettmer explains. “These skills are the foundation for a successful career in today’s workforce.”
Education is just one part of the journey. Many participants begin applying what they’ve learned while still in the program—transitioning directly into employment with local companies through the DOC’s work release program. It’s a chance to build confidence, earn income, and put their skills to work in real-world environments.
The Transition to Employment
This is where Sergeant Shimek, Work Release Coordinator at Oregon Correctional Center, steps in. He works closely with incarcerated individuals and cohort graduates to connect them to work and familiarize themselves with the work environment. “The goal is simple: to get them making money and succeed in life,” says Shimek. “We prepare them with skills and guide them toward their next step—home.”
Many of the graduates are now directly applying their skills through the work release program at Trachte Building Systems and Stoughton Trailers, earning $20-$35/hr. “These guys are held to a higher standards because of their educational and technical skills,” Shimek muses. “They're building wealth that will support them once they're released, and they're learning how to interact with the public while still maintaining their work ethic.”
Shimek named many successful and determined individuals over the years who have since joined the workforce. Dominique Moore, a 2023 graduate of the program and the cohort's student speaker, was hired immediately by Stoughton Trailers to do maintenance work and is now working at Trachte pursuing electrical work; Benjamin Holton, another graduate, is now working in electrical prep making $29/hr. Similarly, other graduates have found employment in fabrication, maintenance, electrical, metals and related industries.
Beyond individual success, reduced recidivism rates, and stability upon release, these programs are addressing workforce needs across the region. Local employers benefit from a pipeline of skilled workers ready to fill critical roles in manufacturing, construction, and other high-demand fields, supporting both economic growth and the successful reintegration of participants.