Time Tested:
Since August 2002, 1,450 offenders have graduated this training both under the guise of Allen County Community Corrections and Blue Jacket, Inc.
Blue Jacket enforces a moderate approach that many practitioners have a tough time mastering; to assist ex-offenders to get back on their feet while enforcing strict accountability. Blue Jacket absorbed the Employment Academy, enhanced it and applied it as the gateway to all other employment, placement, mentoring, hard-skill training, and placement services at Blue Jacket.
Blue Jacket, Inc. only serves individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense with the last five (5) years or those whom have been released from prison within the past two (2) years.
Structure
To summarize, the Employment Academy teaches the soft skills needed to get and keep a job through a professionally-driven, simulated workplace environment in the classroom with attendance requirements that include strict punctuality, homework completion and dress code. It teaches efficient job searching, mock interviewing and selling oneself (with a felony conviction), effective communication and social skills. The Employment Academy provides Labor Market Information, Interest and Skills Assessments, Resume Writing, and other work-related transferable skills essential to be a good employee.
Partners:
Ivy Tech Community College | NeighborWorks, Inc. | JobWorks, Inc.
Human resource practitioners volunteer three hours of their time to provide practice or mock interviews with each student where they have an opportunity to apply the skills learned in class the week prior. Objectively and constructively, the entire class, facilitator, and volunteer critique the interview and provide feedback.
