Charlotte County inmates receiving job training through new program

A new program at the Charlotte County Jail will allow inmates to receive workplace training twice a week for six weeks. During that time, they will focus on basic job skills for management, retail and internships. Inmates with an education are 40% less likely to end up back in jail, and 20% of that accounts for job training.

Lt. Tabbatha Carter with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office says while the program just started, the inmates have been very receptive. She believes this will give them a second chance when they re-enter society. Carter says the biggest hurdle for inmates after being released from jail is knowing where to start.

“It actually gives them hope,” Carter said. “A lot of times, they don’t know where to start. So when they get to this program, it actually gives them all of the insight they need to know about how they need to approach the workplace, and how they can work with others as a team.”

This is not the only re-entry program the jail has. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office also says it has someone who comes in every Tuesday to speak with people who need help. Both programs set people up for self-sufficiency and success once they are freed.

“When they leave, they get a certificate… they will text the number and they’ll have a job coach that will help them with the application process,” Carter said.