- April 25, 2024
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A partnership born two years ago with Flagler Technical College and the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility has officially launched its latest offering to help inmates gain new career skills so they are better prepared to successfully re-enter everyday life in Flagler County: a six-month Pre-Apprenticeship Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning program for inmates.
The first classes are taking place in the jail with five student-inmates learning new skill sets and gaining experience in the HVAC field. A majority of the courses in the 150-hour program will take place in a classroom setting in the jail. Supervised by a detention deputy, the inmates will also travel to the HVAC Technology Bin (lab) at FTC during the semester to put their classroom instruction to the test.
“The students get homework assignments, they have to review their chapter work and then be prepared for the next class,” Chief of Court and Detention Services Division Dan Engert said. “The classes meet twice a week from 8 a.m. to noon. It’s set up just like any other FTC trade course.”
The goal of Homeward Bound, which now offers HVAC, as well as a Vinyl Graphics Application Program, Restaurant Certification and Landscaping, is to help inmates learn new career skills skills to set them up for success once they are released back into the community. The Vinyl Graphics Application Certificate Program has already graduated four students since its inception last year.
“Programs which help meet the local workforce demands of our business community are always being explored," said Sheriff Rick Staly. "Our inmates, if properly trained, can eventually help satisfy them. Serving time should be about more than just being locked up. These are inmates who will re-enter our community at some point in their life. If we can get them back on track to become productive members of our community it helps strengthen not only them, but their families, our businesses and our community.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the HVAC field is expected to see a 13% job growth nationwide through 2028. The median salary for specialists in the field is currently just over $50,000 annually.
Upon successful completion of the program, the inmates will earn a certificate from the Florida Department of Education that can help lead to admission into FTC’s HVAC Apprenticeship Program after their release.
“They really seem to want to work hard and put in the effort," said FTC HVAC Instructor Frank Tasmarski. "That’s so much of what this kind of career is about. Everybody deserves a second chance. This is not only an honest job that helps pay the bills. It is a career that can change their lives and the lives of their families.”
When asked about the new class and new instructor, one Homeward Bound student quickly replied, “He’s a good teacher. He really seems to know what he’s talking about. Once you find a trade like this, you’ll have a career anywhere you go.”
