7 inmates take workforce-related studies

Tri-County Technical College, in cooperation with
the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, is using available technology to give State Correctional
Inmates, who are currently housed at the Oconee County Detention Center, an opportunity to
earn a Certified Production Technician Certification.
Currently, seven State Correctional Inmates are participating, online, in the Certification
Program. Inmates that were enrolled in the program, are eligible, to return to finish the program
after their release from incarceration. This is the first time in Oconee County history that a
college has taught classes inside the Detention Center.
The Certification Program is part of Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw’s Leadership Vision
and his long-term vision for Inmate Life Transformation and Success, which includes the “Life
after Lock-Up” program.
“The opportunity for our State Correctional Inmates to earn this Certification is an expansion of
our “Life after Lock-Up” program,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “The
Certified Production Technician Certification has proven to be successful as those who have
graduated have found gainful employment in industry and manufacturing by learning the skills
they need to be successful. We believe that those inmates who receive an education and obtain
the skills employers’ desire will have a better chance to integrate back into society and reduce
the rate of recidivism back into the legal system.”
Dan Holland, Cultural Awareness and Inclusion Director with the Sheriff’s Office, met with
officials from Tri-County Technical College in regards to educational opportunities for
employees with the Sheriff’s Office. The conversations also included making Certification
Programming available online to State Inmates who are currently housed at the Oconee County
Detention Center.
Money for the program was made available through a state grant from the South Carolina
Department of Employment and Work Force.
Oconee County S