(BRANCHVILLE) – On October 25th, Warden Kathy Alvey announced 20 offenders graduated from the first Catapult Manufacturing training class held at the Branchville Correctional Facility.
Catapult is a joint venture of Branchville Correctional Facility, Indiana DOC, Vincennes University, CFA Staffing, and Conexus. The program’s first cohort began their four-week course in September 2019, with graduates receiving their certificates from Vincennes University on Oct. 25, 2019, at a graduation ceremony hosted at the Branchville Correctional Facility.Â
The participates completed 160 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on skill-building. Graduates learned the manufacturing process by participating in a simulation of building a car while working on a mechanical conveyor belt with legos as building materials. The process exposed the participants to work on teams and production lines. It also taught the participants how to handle small parts and operate power tools effectively and safely. The program prepares graduates by teaching the necessary skills desired by today’s manufacturing companies.
Deputy Warden Dan Mitchell commented, “The Catapult program is one of many opportunities offered to offenders at the Branchville Correctional Facility.” Mitchell continued, “Other programs include welding, culinary arts, and many more, all designed to help soon to be released offenders obtain the security of meaningful employment.”
In the last few days of the class, the graduates prepared for the future by participating in Skype interviews with CFA Staffing. CFA Staffing is tasked with helping each graduate find gainful employment upon release. CFA will work with companies all over Indiana to help graduates connect with companies in their home counties. Â
