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.