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08/13/2025
Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) is proud to celebrate a groundbreaking milestone in our workforce training programs. For the first time in OCE history, adults in custody (AICs) have become NCCER-certified instructors — opening new pathways for skill development, peer-led training, and future career opportunities.
The achievement came as part of an intensive training and certification process that included 14 dedicated AIC participants across two shops:
By earning their instructor status, these AIC facilitators are now qualified to teach NCCER courses themselves, helping expand the reach of the program and ensuring future participants can learn directly from trained peers. This peer-led model not only builds confidence and leadership skills but also creates a culture of mutual support and mentorship within OCE programs.
OCE Administrator Melanie Doolin presented the certificates, joined by Linda Simpson (Workforce Development & Reentry Coordinator), Ben Green (Furniture Factory Production Supervisor), Dave Draper (Metal Shop Production Coordinator) and George Sakai (Metal Shop/Furniture Factory leadership), and other proud staff members who gathered to celebrate this milestone.
"You are now ambassadors and role models. This graduation is a celebration of what we hope is the foundation of a shared legacy where generations of AICs will be influenced by your example. It is a responsibility you earned, and I (we) fully entrust you with. We believe you are the message we want to share about our culture," Melanie said.
A special recognition goes to Linda Simpson, whose commitment and determination made this opportunity possible for the AICs. Linda worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate the entire process—ensuring training materials, organizing schedules, and even going the extra mile to make sure all textbooks and tests were available in Spanish for a Spanish-speaking participant. Her dedication reflects OCE's mission to provide meaningful skill-building opportunities that prepare AICs for successful reentry.
Programs like these not only strengthen the skills and confidence of participants while they are incarcerated but also create pathways to employment after release. Earning an NCCER Instructor Certification is more than just a credential—it's a door to teaching, mentoring, and leadership roles in the construction and manufacturing industries, both inside and outside correctional facilities. One participant reflected, "I didn't realize how much they (OCE Leadership) really cared!"
By investing in certifications and training of this caliber, OCE continues to bridge the gap between incarceration and the workforce, giving participants the tools they need to succeed, contribute, and thrive upon release.
Congratulations to all 14 AICs on this incredible achievement - and to our first-ever NCCER-certified instructors for leading the way.
The achievement came as part of an intensive training and certification process that included 14 dedicated AIC participants across two shops:
- 10 graduates successfully completed the NCCER CORE Certification program — five from the OCE Metal Shop and five from the OCE Furniture Factory. This certification provides foundational skills in construction and industrial trades, preparing graduates for future advancement and employment in a wide range of technical fields.
- 4 AIC facilitators - two from each shop - led the classes while also going through their own training to earn NCCER Instructor Certification. This dual role is a rare and remarkable accomplishment, requiring mastery of both trade skills and teaching methods.
By earning their instructor status, these AIC facilitators are now qualified to teach NCCER courses themselves, helping expand the reach of the program and ensuring future participants can learn directly from trained peers. This peer-led model not only builds confidence and leadership skills but also creates a culture of mutual support and mentorship within OCE programs.
OCE Administrator Melanie Doolin presented the certificates, joined by Linda Simpson (Workforce Development & Reentry Coordinator), Ben Green (Furniture Factory Production Supervisor), Dave Draper (Metal Shop Production Coordinator) and George Sakai (Metal Shop/Furniture Factory leadership), and other proud staff members who gathered to celebrate this milestone.
"You are now ambassadors and role models. This graduation is a celebration of what we hope is the foundation of a shared legacy where generations of AICs will be influenced by your example. It is a responsibility you earned, and I (we) fully entrust you with. We believe you are the message we want to share about our culture," Melanie said.
A special recognition goes to Linda Simpson, whose commitment and determination made this opportunity possible for the AICs. Linda worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate the entire process—ensuring training materials, organizing schedules, and even going the extra mile to make sure all textbooks and tests were available in Spanish for a Spanish-speaking participant. Her dedication reflects OCE's mission to provide meaningful skill-building opportunities that prepare AICs for successful reentry.
Programs like these not only strengthen the skills and confidence of participants while they are incarcerated but also create pathways to employment after release. Earning an NCCER Instructor Certification is more than just a credential—it's a door to teaching, mentoring, and leadership roles in the construction and manufacturing industries, both inside and outside correctional facilities. One participant reflected, "I didn't realize how much they (OCE Leadership) really cared!"
By investing in certifications and training of this caliber, OCE continues to bridge the gap between incarceration and the workforce, giving participants the tools they need to succeed, contribute, and thrive upon release.
Congratulations to all 14 AICs on this incredible achievement - and to our first-ever NCCER-certified instructors for leading the way.
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