Welcome to the State of California, Prison Industry Authority
Products and Servies offered by CALPIA

Inmate Employability Program


To enhance the employability of inmates, California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) has developed the Inmate Employability Program (IEP). Using the CALPIA factory as a foundation for skills development, the IEP goes a step further by making industry-accredited certification programs available to qualified inmates and showing them how to use these skills in obtaining meaningful jobs upon their release from prison.

Plans are also underway to incorporate industry-based skill standards for many of the inmate occupations within CALPIA.

Program Benefits


CALPIA Inmates

  • Opportunity to acquire job skills and certifications that are recognized by private industry.
  • Goal-oriented work that develops self esteem and confidence.
  • Help with resume development and job planning.

Potential Employers

  • Access to a pool of trained job candidates who are certified and "job-ready"
  • Potential tax credits and fidelity bonding
  • Contribution to safer communities

Job Referral Program


Purpose: To ensure inmate succes by supporting prison-to-employment programs and strategies

  • The inmate employability job referral program helps facilitate the transition from prison to employment.
  • The referral program helps inmates by:
      Assistance in locating housing
      DMV appointments for obtaining an ID card or Drivers license
      Social Security Administration and their link to other agencies
      California One-Stop career center services & locations
      Birth certificate information and application for request
  • CALPIA works collaboratively with employers and employment groups in an attempt to secure gainful employment upon release from incarceration.

IEP Certification Programs


National Association of Institutional Linen Management (NAILM)

  • Certified Laundry & Linen Management
  • Certified Washroom Technician
  • Certified Linen Technician

American Board of Opticianry (ABO)

  • Certified Optician

Electronics Technicians' Association (ETA)

  • Certified Customer Service Specialist
  • Certified Electronics Technician
  • Certified Electronics Journeyman

National Institute for Metalworking Skill (NIMS)

  • Machining
  • Metal forming/stamping

CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture

  • Licensed Pasteurizer
  • Licensed Sampler/Weigher

Federal Emergency Management Institute (FEMA Independent Study Courses)

  • Hazmat
  • Decision Making/Problem Solving
  • Effective Communication

American Welding Society (AWS)

  • Certified Welder

PBS Video Training Series

  • GED
  • Workingplace Essential Skills

Stiles Computer-Based Training Modules

  • Weeke Machining Center Programming

National Restaurant Association

  • ServSafe

Productivity Training Corp.

  • Dental Technician