As J. F. Ingram State Technical College students complete the return to classrooms and labs, industry certification training is underway once again. Safety trainer Paula Byrd will work with nearly 100 ISTC students during the summer 2021 term, delivering OSHA 10-hour general safety training at four of Ingram’s seven service locations.

Ingram State president Annette Funderburk explained that industry credentials are a valuable resource for graduates seeking employment. “Our students face unique barriers to employment related to their prior incarceration,” she said, “in addition to their college certifications, industry credentials recognized by employers give graduates an extra boost of confidence in a job interview.”

Funderburk said that all of Ingram’s 20 career technical training programs offer students the option to earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials. “In addition to OSHA, students in every program can earn the National Career Readiness Credential. We also offer industry-specific credentials, including NCCER for students enrolled in construction-related programs, EPA for HVAC students, and two levels of Manufacturing Skills Standards Council certification for Logistics students.” Ingram students can also prepare for state licensure exams in Barbering, Cosmetology and Plumbing.

J. F. Ingram State Technical College serves incarcerated students at seven locations across Alabama.