Washington Business Spring 2019 | Washington Business | Page 44

business backgrounder | education & workforce Breaking the Cycle From basic education to automotive mechanics, the state’s Corrections Education program can help felons turn their lives around, and solve the demand for skilled workers. Andrew Lenderman Washington’s Corrections Education program reached more than 8,500 inmates in the 2018 fiscal year. Subjects include adult basic education, job search skills, construction trades, welding and more. This partnership between the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the state Department of Corrections and several community colleges can help break the cycle of drug addiction, crime and prison that drains public resources and hampers business productivity. At A Glance Erik Harestad is one of the many success stories from Washington’s Corrections Education program. After a young life highlighted by substance abuse and prison, he’s turned his life around with sobriety, family and a new career in the auto industry. Many employers passed when looking at his record, but Jet Chevrolet in Federal Way gave him a chance. Today, he’s a Master ASE Technician, and a proud father. “It has completely transformed my life,” Harestad said of his job. “Every single thing about this place was an answered prayer.” 44 association of washington business Erik Harestad is a top automotive service technician at Jet Chevrolet in Federal Way. He has nine certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence: Engine repair, engine performance and more. He’s earned the Master ASE Technician status. Harestad got his start in automotive education at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell. It’s one success story among many as the state continues to invest in education inside the prison walls. These investments both help people successfully reenter society and help Washington employers find qualified workers. Men and women who can’t break the cycle of addiction and prison are huge burdens to their families, the community and the state of Washington, Harestad told a legislative committee recently. “A quality education is the key to breaking that cycle,” he said. Thanks to a partnership between the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, (SBCTC) and the state Department of Corrections, more Washington inmates are getting another chance.