Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the commencement of the Diesel Mechanics program, the newest addition to offender programming now offered at the Department. The first location to offer this program is Ware State Prison in Waycross, Ga. Classes officially began on November 17, 2015, with 17 students enrolled.

 “As we move forward in providing additional programming to our offender population, we will be focusing on which jobs are in high demand in the state of Georgia,” said Commissioner Bryson. “Another step in the right direction to help our returning citizens transition successfully back into society.”

The Diesel program is a collaborative effort between Central Georgia Technical College and the Georgia Department of Corrections. This program is a 44-week course where students will receive hands on training to prepare students for careers as a diesel maintenance technician for semi-trucks, trailers, and other diesel equipment. After completing the 25 credit hour course, students will earn a Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician certificate from Central Georgia Technical College. Credit hours are also transferable to any tech college with the Technical College System of Georgia.

“Research shows a strong correlation between vocational training and reduced recidivism.  It is exciting to see men develop a marketable skill that will allow them to be gainfully employed in their home communities upon release. This means lowered costs to Georgia, a safer Georgia, and a higher quality of life for these men and their families,” said Assistant Commissioner of Inmate Services Dr. L.C. ‘Buster’ Evans. “With Georgia’s continued growth in the transportation industry, these high demand jobs help keep Georgia’s economy growing.”

The Department is currently expanding the program to two additional facilities, Rogers State Prison in Reidsville, Ga. and Telfair State Prison in Helena, Ga.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners.  It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit gdc.ga.gov.