By C1 Staff
SIDNEY, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Corrections were recently present at a college job fair in order to spur recruiting efforts.
The Daily News reports that the MDOC is looking to hire around 4,000 new officers within the next five years.
Officers present answered questions and explained to fair-goers what it’s like day-to-day for a corrections officer.
“We’re here to let people know what it’s like to work for the Department of Corrections and to guide them through the process,” said MDOC Officer Shane O’Brien. “Basically, we can show them what they need to do to get a job with the department.”
The job fair was sponsored in part by Michigan Works, a state agency tasked with providing services and support to the state’s Workforce Development System.
And according to the group’s vice president for employment training, the employment possibilities with the MDOC are substantial and likely will remain so for the foreseeable future.
“Based on numbers around the state, there are currently 700 openings,” Janet Bloomfield, the vice president, said. “Today, we’re especially recruiting for corrections officers.”
The MDOC has developed a “fast track” 15-week program that provides potential officers with the bare minimum they need to be considered for a position. The program offers an accelerated 15-credit hours in subjects such as psychology and criminal justice.
Those with a bachelor’s degree already meet the state’s educational requirements, or most of them. The MDOC also requires a two-week training session and six-to-eight weeks at the police academy.
“There are currently 162 jobs in my four counties alone,” Bloomfield said. “We had about 120 show up today. They each have a potentially very good chance of landing a job. And, of course, Michigan Works is there to provide financial assistance to people interested in the program.”