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Education / Vocation
The successful completion of educational and vocational programs has proven to reduce the rate of recidivism among incarcerated participants. For that reason, the Middlesex Sheriff's Office offers a variety of programs designed to assist offenders with preparation for re-entry into society. These programs include – but are not limited to preparation for high school equivalency exams, college courses, computer literacy classes, a ServSafe Certification course, culinary arts, OSHA 10 Certification, and the custodial certification program.
Programs
The goal of this program is to familiarize each student with computer technology and how its capabilities can be utilized to accomplish various tasks. The focus is on skills needed to function effectively in an office environment as well as the needed computer literacy skills to take computer-based assessments.
The Culinary Arts program aims to turn positive results out of negative situations. This course builds a desire and foundation for foodservice careers and enables individuals who are interested in an opportunity to change their behavior to better their life situation. This is a 360 hour certificate program that includes a five-year ServSave National Restaurant Association certification. Students are oriented in the following: sanitation, equipment, knife skills, food preparation, basic bake shop and other Culinary Arts areas.
The High School Equivalency (HSE) programs are specifically geared toward preparing a student to successfully take his or her High School Equivalency Exam. The classes focus on math, writing skills, social studies, reading and science, as well as reading comprehension and study skills. The Pre-HSE programs are designed to prepare intermediate level students for entrance into the HSE program. The focus of instruction is on math, English grammar and usage, writing skills and reading comprehension.
This program covers the various aspects of construction safety, PPEs (Personal Protection Equipment), scaffolding and ladders, fall safety, power tools, materials handling, excavation and various other safety topics. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cards are required on all construction sites receiving state or federal funds and are required by Massachusetts state law for anyone working on a prevailing wage job site. Most private general contractors also require an OSHA card be on file for all employees on site, including all sub-contracted employees. An OSHA Construction Safety Card will be issued to each student who successfully completes the exam.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify and understand how to minimize and prevent food safety hazards in the workplace, understand basic food safety practices required in a food business, identify and comply with personal hygiene standards, and have an understanding of the food legislation and the responsibilities of food handlers. A ServSafe Certificate will be issued to each student who successfully passes the exam.