By C1 Staff
ESCANABA, Mich. — A new corrections officer training course at Bat College is five weeks into its first group of trainees.
Upper Michigan Source reports that it’s one of only six programs at community colleges across the state.
Trainees who complete the program do not receive a degree, but are eligible to complete the final 80 hours of on the job training with the Michigan Department of Corrections and are encouraged to continue their college career.
“You have to be prepared to go into work when you get there,” said Todd Dunn, Corrections Officer Training Academy Director at Bay College, speaking of the defensive tactics students were currently working on. “You have to be prepared to protect yourself and protect other people and be ready to go on the job when you get there.”
Even though the program is just being launched at Bay College, Dunn does not consider his program to be any weaker than others across the state.
“Well I think we’re the best. They all had to have college to get here, 15 hours in credits, and if they’re going to continue, they need to continue their education so they can further themselves and their careers. A lot of jobs require a college degree,” he said.
The next program will be a ten week course that will be offered on the weekends starting January 9 so students will not have to quit their day job. Registration for the next course begins on November 3.