If there’s one thing that we’re proud of at IPI, it’s the opportunity we provide Iowa’s incarcerated men and women to prepare them for their futures upon release. And when it comes to employing and training incarcerated individuals, IPI’s Anamosa Sign Shop demonstrates these values on a truly impressive level.
As one of IPI’s largest operations, over 40 incarcerated associates can be found working in the Sign Shop on a variety of different tasks and assignments. These jobs include screen printing on signs, shaping and sanding aluminum, designing digital graphics, and several others. In addition to working hands-on each day, associates at the shop also learn valuable skills and have the opportunity to obtain certifications that will help them find and maintain employment after completing their sentences.
“We are in the process of offering an apprenticeship program for Graphic Design, which will hopefully be available in the next few weeks,” says Lance Lake, a Production Technician at Anamosa Signs.
Besides the quantifiable benefits the shop offers IPI associates, such as certifications and work training, the IPI training program provides associates with many advantages that go beyond measurement. When asked about their greatest accomplishments working for IPI and how the training program has fostered personal growth, several associates had positive things to say:
“My greatest accomplishment since beginning the training program has been learning how to work with others in a positive manner,” said one associate. “Working for IPI gives me an opportunity to occupy the long days and learn different skills to help me in the future.”