Job Training and Education for Ex-offenders
Is going back to school part of your job search? Maybe it should be. The more education or formal job training you have, the greater your chances of finding well-paying, steady employment.
Benefits of going back to school
Spending time and money on going back to school might seem like the wrong thing to do when job searching. If fact, the more education you have, the higher your chances of earning more money over a lifetime. You are also less likely to be unemployed when you have a college degree.
A survey from 2006 shows that average earnings grow from $419 to $595 per week, just by earning a high school diploma. Getting a college bachelor's degree increases average earnings to $962 per week.
Jobs that require higher education typically offer higher wages than those that don't. This education can include formal job training, like an apprenticeship.
If you have not yet earned a high school diploma or don't feel ready for a college or formal job training program, you have a few options. Look into earning a GED diploma or enrolling in Adult Basic Education courses.
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General Education Development (GED)
Most jobs require applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. The GED is a diploma given to those who pass five-tests that measures the academic competencies generally required of a Minnesota high school graduate.
The five areas of academic skills and concepts tested by the GED are:
- Language Arts — Reading
- Language Arts — Writing
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
When passed, the GED tests certify that the taker has mastered high school-level academic skills. To pass the GED and earn a GED diploma, test takers must score higher than 40 percent of graduating high school seniors nationwide.
Online courses are available to help people prepare for the five GED tests. However, the GED tests can only be taken in person at one of the 58 official GED Testing Centers under the direction of the Minnesota Department of Education.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education programs are for people ages 16 and over who are not enrolled in school and who want to improve their basic skills and knowledge. The instruction is offered at no cost to the learner and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is designed to meet their specific needs.
Independent, one-on-one, or classroom course work can include:
- Preparation for the GED
- Job seeking skills
- Development of soft skills
- Reading and writing improvement
- English as a second language (ESL)
- U.S. citizenship preparation
- Computer literacy
- Family literacy programs
Get more details about Adult Basic Education
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
The Workforce Investment Act is a federal program that pays for qualifying job seekers to get training in specific careers. A training program that is WIA certified has met or exceeded certain performance standards established by Minnesota's employment and training community.
To find out if you are eligible for WIA certified training, contact your local Workforce Center by calling: 1-888-GET JOBS.
Find out more about WIA certified programs in Minnesota.
Apprenticeship
A registered apprenticeship is a structured job training program to learn a skilled occupation, craft or trade. During the apprenticeship, you gain skills through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
There are more than 100 career paths that can begin with an apprenticeship. While most are in construction, there are opportunities in other occupations, including:
- automotive technicians
- carpenters
- communications systems installer
- electricians
- firefighters
- graphic artists
- machinists
An apprenticeship can range from one to six years; four is the average. Apprentice pay usually starts at about half the rate for journey-level workers. After six months, your pay begins to increase, and eventually it reaches the journey level. Apprentice wages are never less than the federal minimum wage.
If you have previous related experience, you may be granted advanced placement in an apprenticeship program. Your pay could also be higher because of your experience. In addition, some two-year schools offer college credit in apprentice occupations.
To apply for an apprenticeship, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a high school diploma or be actively pursuing a GED
- Be physically able to work in the trade
There may be other requirements, such as an entrance exam, in your chosen field. Find out more about youth and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota.
Colleges and Universities
What does it mean to "go to college?" Minnesota schools offer several types of learning environments, programs and degrees. Before you decide to enroll, think about which type of program is a good fit for your lifestyle and career goals.
