BEDFORD – With the latest Introduction to Local Jobs And Skills completed, it’s a great time to celebrate the success of adult education in Lawrence County.
Throughout the 4-year program, 160 participants have graduated and left the program with a personalized “next steps” plan.
The program was developed by the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council in 2020 to address a shortage of skilled workers in the area and to establish an adult education system in the county. Job skills program reducing recidivism rate in Lawrence County.
Joe Timbrook, who also serves as president of the county’s Community Corrections advisory board, said the Lawrence County recidivism rate for criminal offenders is about 40%. The recidivism rate for offenders who graduate from ILJAS is just 6%.
Who are the participants?
- 67% are involved in the justice system – 87% graduation rate
- 97% received certification for CPR, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed Certifications
- 74% received welding certification
- 77% received construction certification
- 72% received machining certification
- 31% came in without a high school diploma or HSE – 86% graduation rate
The ILJAS class meets Monday-Thursday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the North Lawrence Career Center. Each participant will receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the program.
To register, contact Cathy Bullington, Lawrence County adult education coordinator, at 812-797-3559 or email cathy@lawrencecountygrowth.com.
