Okaz/Saudi Gazette TAIF — A recent study has revealed that 82 percent of the inmates training under the prisons' vocational training programs have never undergone vocational training before and need longer training program before they are integrated into society again. The study titled "Evaluating Vocational Training in Prisons" was conducted this year by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation. The study results revealed the vocational training programs are not enough to qualify inmates to work in factories. The vocational training programs need to cooperate with companies and factories to devise a comprehensive program where training is focused on the jobs the inmates are expected to have after their release. The inmates should have a chance for practical training in which they work for factories and companies under the supervision of the prisons. The study also revealed that according to the demands of the workplace and the requests of the inmates the training programs should add more fields of vocational training such as programming, IT support and Microsoft Office training. The study also emphasized IT programs for women inmates. The study also interviewed some security guards about the attitudes and behaviors of the inmates in these programs. The guards said the inmates are very hopeful about the vocational training programs and are eager to do well in them. The guards said the inmates view the training programs as a second chance to better their lives. The study also revealed many inmates have requested for guidance sessions and workshops to help decide which training program to enroll in. They have also requested to have a magazine featuring different programs and their benefits in the work market and the success stories of some of the graduates of the program. Technical and Vocational Training Corporation reports revealed a total of 11,000 inmates have participated in its programs offered by over 36 training units in various prisons in the Kingdom.
