TAPP – Helping With Inmate Jobs

Ohio is serious about lowering the recidivism rate.  Finding a job is one of the largest challenges facing our “returning citizens” as they transition from prison life to real life on the outside.  To help with this transition,   OH!Manufacturing and the Department of Rehabilitation & Corrections started the Training, Assessment, and Placement Project (TAPP). This program is designed provide ex-low-level offenders (those who have not been convicted of violent or sexual offenses) with job training and placement in the manufacturing industry.  Manufacturers benefit by gaining access to qualified workers that are highly motivated to succeed as well as tax incentives.

So far 89 inmates have applied and 12 have been placed.   A small number and slow start but its a move in the right direction.   The process involves an application, written tests and an interview for inmates. Companies have to qualify, too. TAPP is looking for stable employers with good safety records and a committed management team to join.   TAPP folks are working to improve these numbers.