South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) recently celebrated the early successes of two adults in custody (AICs) who were part of the camp’s first U-PACT cohort. In January 2025, Joseph Belecz and Rodney Abel joined the pilot program, embarking on a journey that would lead them not only to release but to meaningful careers.
Continue reading “From Forest Camp to Career Success: Two U-PACT Graduates Thrive Post-Prison”
The Ironworkers Local 29, Bricklayers Local 1, and Cement Masons Local 555, partnering with the Union Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (U-PACT) program, offer a 12-week training to the men at South Fork Forest Camp.
U-PACT Oregon is a pre-apprenticeship program designed to provide basic to intermediate trade skills to adults in custody that will prepare them for a career in one of the three represented trades, reduce recidivism, and positively impact Oregon’s economy.
U-PACT Oregon participants take part in a fast-paced classroom and hands-on pre-apprenticeship program. They earn their OSHA 10 card and receive training in various trade-specific topics, as well as various life skills that will prepare them for a successful career and future outside of prison.
Continue reading “Hope, Growth, and U-PACT”
The Ironworkers Local 29, Bricklayers Local 1, and Cement Masons Local 555, partnering with the Union Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (U-PACT) program, offer a 12-week training to women at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF).
U-PACT Oregon is a pre-apprenticeship program designed to provide basic to intermediate trade skills to adults in custody that will prepare them for a career in one of the three represented trades, reduce recidivism, and positively impact Oregon’s economy.
Continue reading “The Women of U-PACT”
The Ironworkers Local 29, Bricklayers Local 1, and Cement Masons Local 555 partnered to launch the Union Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (U-PACT) program, which offers training to women at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF).
The program received a state grant and gives preference to adults in custody, who are within six months of their release date, the opportunity to apply for the program. The first cohort of 12 pre-apprentices began this April. The women began the 10-week course that includes 6-weeks of safety and job training from the ironworkers, and 2-weeks of training each from the cement masons and bricklayers.
Continue reading “Union Pre-apprenticeship Construction Training for Incarcerated Women”