County Probation Implements Vocational Training Program

With the closure of the reprographics department, Second District Supervisor Janet Wolf and General Services Director Bob Nisbet saw an opportunity in the making. They approached Chief Probation Officer Patti Stewart and the plan to implement a new vocational training program designed to provide youth committed to Los Prietos Boys Camp and Academy Programs with an opportunity to learn vocational and professional skills was born. Campers participating in this program will receive vocational training in quality control, inventory, budgetary review, customer service, as well as hands on experience in operating printing equipment. The print shop will begin limited operation in January, providing instruction for youth and services to the Probation Department, with expansion of services to other County Departments expected once training and operational capacity is reached. Supervisor Janet Wolf commented, “Trying to make lemonade out of lemons does not just happen with an idea…it takes leadership, creativity and conviction from County staff to implement. That’s what our Probation and General Services staff demonstrated in transforming our unused reprographics area and specialized equipment into an opportunity for vocational training.”

The program will be supported in part by the recent generous bequest in honor of former Chief Probation Officer William F. Gunnerson who was Chief when Los Prietos Boys Camp was established in 1944. The program reflects Chief Gunnerson’s commitment to the Los Prietos Boys Camp and Academy programs by providing education and vocational training.

Phase II will include a separate program for adult clients enrolled in the Probation Report and Resource Center and the Day Report Center.