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Above, Tri-County Engineering students learn about DOC career opportunities.
This week, the Boston Herald reported that 35 Department of Corrections (DOC) prison officers made more than $100,00 in overtime pay in 2022, a sharp increase over the prior year, prompting the department to admit they are short-staffed and looking for more people.
That’s the pitch the department recently brought to the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. But the focus was only secondarily on attracting “guards.”
Rather, explains Director of Recruitment, Jennithan Cortes, reached at his Milford offices, there are all kinds of opportunities across the board. “With about 4200 employees, we are a city unto ourselves, “he said, explaining that the DOC has building and grounds functions, HVAC staff, culinary staff, and more.
“People think gun and badge when they of us, but it is much more, we are like a big company,” said Cortes. Thus, the DOC pitch was delivered to students from many different programs at Tri-County.
“We are currently reaching out to vocational school, high schools, and colleges, around the state,” Cortes said.
The DOC visit was done in collaboration with Tri-County RVTHS Legal and Protective Services Career Major to introduce interested juniors and seniors to the variety of employment options available after to them after graduation. Students in Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Electrical Wiring Technology, Plumbing; Hydronic Heating, Engineering, HVAC, and Metal Fabrication were welcome to sit for a brief conversation with Cortes and Recruitment Specialist Jevon Brown-Simpson.
Cortes and Brown-Simpson spoke to the students about the opportunities available in the fifteen different facilities throughout the state as an excellent way to get their foot in the door after graduation. The students learned what a typical day would consist of, benefits available including pension and tuition reimbursement, union membership, salary and work culture. The students and instructors were able to ask questions and were encouraged to reach out for assistance with the application process if necessary.
Brown-Simpson commented, “This was by far the best experience I have had recruiting. Your students were great, and the entire format was very conducive to our objective of meeting all the programs. I want to highlight how impressed Director Cortes and I were with the entire experience.”
The DOC stayed to host an Open House “Job Fair” for interested Tri-County alumni. “This program showcased the variety of employment opportunities available for our students they may have not considered otherwise. Whether they are looking for employment directly after high school graduation or want to attend college, the DOC offers a range of careers that fit well with the Career Majors Tri-County offers,” said Brenna Ferrick, Legal & Protective Services Instructor and organizer of this event.
