NASHVILLE -- Nash Correctional Institution marked the 30^th anniversary of the Multi-Trades Apprenticeship and Training Committee (MTATC) program at Nash Correctional Institution Print Plant.  MTATC is a North Carolina Department of Labor program that offers apprenticeships to qualified inmates allowing them to gain experience in all aspects of printing as well as management, data entry, shipping, maintenance and other related skills. 

Thirty inmates were recognized at the event for completing their apprenticeships. Each received a certificate authenticating their graduation from the program.

“The MTATC program has been a huge success in teaching inmates the work ethic, skills and knowledge necessary to succeed upon their release,” said Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice Commissioner W. David Guice.  “This is one of many program services the Department offers to provide inmates with marketable job skills to facilitate their transition back into the community and reduce recidivism.”

The MTATC program was established in 1983 and now offers ten apprenticeships focused on different aspects within the print plant, ranging from two to five years in length, as well as two on-the-job learning certificates.  The skills inmates acquire during the apprenticeship help prepare them for securing employment after their release in any type of commercial business. 

“Many inmates in our facilities have little or no work experience prior to incarceration,” said Nash Print Plant Supervisor Michael Winstead.  “MTATC gives inmates an opportunity to learn skills and gain real-world experience they can use to find a job after they are released.  This program not only develops their mechanical and job-applicable skills, but it also teaches personal responsibility and is a point of pride for the graduates.”

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, an apprentice becomes a journeyman who is then able to help train other apprentices, ensuring the cycle of learning never ceases.  Journeymen make up over a third of the Nash Print Plant’s current workforce.  The MTATC program has graduated a total of 248 inmates since its inception.

The Nash Print Plant, operated by Correction Enterprises, is a full-service print shop dedicated to printing services for state government agencies, public school systems, state community colleges and universities, municipalities and non-profit organizations.  It is one of the ten largest in-plant shops in the nation and uses some of the latest technology in printing, including graphic design, digital prepress and direct-to-plate imaging, single to multi-color print capabilities and many different finishing solutions.  The Nash Print Plant currently employs approximately 120 inmate workers.