Data-Driven Vocational Training in Georgia Prisons

Georgia prisons are using data to improve vocational training, helping inmates build skills for in-demand jobs and reducing reoffense rates. By analyzing job market trends, inmate needs, and program outcomes, the state has created tailored training in areas like welding, carpentry, and diesel maintenance. Key results include a 43% drop in recidivism and higher employment rates for program participants.

Key Highlights:

In-Demand Skills: Programs focus on welding, masonry, horticulture, and more.
Data-Driven Updates: Training aligns with job market trends and inmate demographics.
Lower Recidivism: Participants are 29% less likely to reoffend within three years.
Job Success: 82% of VR-JIT participants secure jobs within six months of release.
Cost Savings: Every $1 spent on education saves $5 in re-incarceration costs.

Georgia’s approach combines partnerships with technical colleges, updated certifications, and innovative tools like Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) to boost employment and reintegration success.

The Power of Education in Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism

Research Methods and Results

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) collects and analyzes data to monitor outcomes and track participant progress effectively.

Data Collection Process

The GDC relies on the State Repository of Information System (SCRIBE) to gather program-related data. Key areas of focus include:

Data Type	Collection Method	Purpose
Attendance Records	Daily digital tracking	Keep track of program engagement
Skill Competencies	Instructor assessments	Measure progress milestones
Certification Status	Partner college verification	Confirm qualification completion
Employment Outcomes	Post-release monitoring	Assess job placement success

Additionally, GDC collaborates with Central Georgia Technical College to track On-the-Job Training (OJT) data. Skills learned during work assignments are matched with competency checklists, and participants receive certifications after meeting all requirements .

Success Measurements

The success of vocational programs is assessed using metrics provided by WorkSource Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia . Highlights include:

"Offenders who participated in education programs while incarcerated showed lower rates of recidivism after three years – a 29% reduction – and their wages were higher." – Correctional Education Association for the United States Department of Education

Investing in GED correctional education delivers a strong return, with every dollar spent saving $5 in the future . For example, Carroll County’s welding program trained 20 inmates. Of the eight released, four secured welding jobs in Georgia .

Study Timeline

The Next Generation Assessment (NGA) evaluates each participant’s educational and vocational needs upon entering GDC . Progress is tracked through the Performance Incentive Credit (PIC) program, which uses an automated system to monitor reentry progress, calculate achievement points, and share data with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles .

The Technical College System of Georgia works with correctional facilities to provide vocational training and certifications . These assessments play a critical role in updating and refining programs, as discussed in the next section.

Program Development Using Data

Job Market Analysis

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) uses labor market data to shape vocational training programs that connect with real-world job opportunities. By partnering with the Technical College System of Georgia, GDC identifies industries and skills that are in high demand. This ensures that training programs remain relevant and focus on areas where inmates show interest and where jobs are available after release . For example, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College works with employers to create Work Ready Classes that address specific workforce skill gaps . These insights guide the development of targeted skills assessments.

Skills Assessment

To match inmate skills with job market needs, GDC uses a structured evaluation process. Through the Georgia Offender Alternative Learning (GOAL) devices, they assess educational levels and career aptitudes . This process includes reviewing basic skills, identifying career interests, and pinpointing areas where additional training is required.

Program Updates

Based on assessment results, program content is regularly updated to reflect industry trends. Career Technical and Higher Education (CTHE) programs are revised in collaboration with multiple technical colleges . Updates include certifications in OSHA safety protocols, forklift operation, and ServSafe food handling . These changes have strengthened Career Technical Education tracks, such as Braille Transcription, Veterinary Technology, and Plumbing . Partnerships with industries and regular employment reviews ensure these programs remain relevant, leading to better job prospects for inmates after release.

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Implementation Issues and Fixes

Tech Setup in Prisons

A significant challenge in many facilities is the lack of technology. About 66% of prisons lack internet access, while 58% are missing necessary software. Additionally, only 52% have desktops available, with laptops and tablets present in just 31% and 26%, respectively . To address this, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has worked with prison administrators and IT staff from technical colleges to install secure offline software and create monitored computer labs. These updates lay the groundwork for better staff training and program expansion.

Staff Training

Once the technology is in place, training staff to use it effectively becomes essential. The GDC has teamed up with the Virtual Academy to provide corrections staff with self-paced learning materials and free technical assistance to improve their data literacy . This shift in focus aims to better support inmates’ success.

"We’ve got to rethink the role isn’t to referee people and catch them failing but the role is to help them stay on the field and win"

A great example of this approach is the partnership between RTI and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. They use predictive algorithms to help officers manage their caseloads more efficiently.

Budget and Growth

Governor Kemp’s FY 2026 budget includes $805,000 for technical and vocational education contracts and equipment, part of a broader $1.62 billion allocation for the Georgia Department of Corrections. This represents a $125 million increase from FY 2025 . This funding ensures continued technological upgrades and staff training, promoting data-driven improvements across vocational training programs.

Priority Area	Focus	Expected Outcome
Infrastructure	Secure, compliant technology systems	Better learning environments
Staff Development	Technical training and support	Higher-quality program delivery
Program Expansion	More vocational courses	Greater access for participants

Vocational training programs have proven effective in reducing recidivism. While the national recidivism rate is around 70%, these programs have been shown to lower it to roughly 30% .

Program Results

Our data collection and program development efforts reveal that these new strategies are achieving strong outcomes.

Reoffense Rates

In Georgia, recidivism dropped by 43% among individuals who participated in data-driven programs. Nationally, about 40% of released inmates return to prison within three years, but program participants in Georgia show much better results. This decrease highlights the potential for improved outcomes after release.

"We found strong evidence that correctional education plays a role in reducing recidivism. Our findings are clear that providing inmates education programs and vocational training helps keep them from returning to prison and improves their future job prospects." – Lois Davis, the project’s lead researcher and a senior policy researcher at RAND

Job Success After Release

The programs also significantly improved employment outcomes:

13% increase in employment rates among participants in academic or vocational education programs
28% higher likelihood of securing a job post-release for those who completed vocational training
82% of VR-JIT participants secured competitive jobs within 6 months of release

The Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) program, in particular, addresses the challenges of job interviews, leading to higher employment rates. These results also demonstrate strong financial benefits, as shown below.

Cost vs. Benefits

A financial breakdown shows the return on investment for these programs:

Cost Category	Amount	Benefit/Outcome
Direct Education Cost Per Inmate	$1,400 – $1,744	$8,700 – $9,700 in savings on re-incarceration costs
VR-JIT Implementation Per Prison	$2,877 – $4,306	82% employment rate within 6 months
VR-JIT Software License	$90 per user	Improved job interview success

"As corrections officials struggle to cope during a period of constrained government spending, prison education is an approach that may help save money in even the short term." – Lois Davis

Boosting post-release employment not only strengthens community connections but also reduces costs for the criminal justice system.

Next Steps

Main Results

Georgia’s vocational training programs, guided by data, have significantly boosted rehabilitation outcomes for nearly 52,000 state prisoners . By offering training aligned with market needs and industry certifications in collaboration with the Technical College System of Georgia, these programs highlight the need for focused policy updates.

Policy Updates Needed

Key policy changes to improve outcomes include:

Policy Area	Actions	Outcome
Employment Rights	Recognize incarcerated workers and ensure protections	Better job readiness and fair treatment
Program Continuity	Avoid transfers that interrupt education programs	Higher completion rates
Compensation	Provide equal pay for participation in programs	Increased motivation and engagement
Post-Release Support	Allow education continuation during parole	Smoother transitions post-release

"The Department was very strategic in the expansion of our Vocational Programming. We considered both the success of programming in other facilities and the current demand in the labor department, to ensure that our returning citizens will have the best chance of gaining employment when they are released." – Commissioner Dozier

Expansion Plans

To build on these policy recommendations, the following plans aim to further improve training results:

Data Infrastructure Enhancement
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center will implement its Resident Analysts program within the Department of Corrections (DOC). This initiative provides embedded analysts at no cost to strengthen data analysis and support informed decision-making .
Strategic Program Growth
Focus on expanding facilities based on program success rates, labor market needs, partnerships with colleges, and infrastructure capabilities.
Partnership Development
Broaden collaborations with technical colleges and universities to increase the variety of certifications and degree programs available.