DETROIT, July 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE has partnered
with the Michigan Department of Corrections to develop and launch a
unique program to train returning citizens for careers in tree
trimming, helping to fill open, in-demand positions.
"I've learned from my peers – both in Michigan and in other states – that returning
citizens who are looking for a second chance in life can be among
your very best and most loyal employees. They just need to be given
a chance. A criminal record shouldn't be a life sentence of
unemployment," said Gerry Anderson,
DTE executive chairman.
The first class of 24 tree trimmers began on June 10, and they will finish in the next 6-9
months. Within the program, students will learn to safely climb
trees, use tree trim equipment and obtain a Commercial Driver's
License.
DTE Energy depends on 1,300 skilled tree trimmers to keep trees
away from power lines, but Michigan continues to face a critical shortage
of qualified people. At the same time, people coming out of prison
have an unemployment rate of 60 percent – more than 15 times the
overall state rate – and without stable employment roughly
one-third will reoffend.
"We have an opportunity here to make Michigan an example for the country and set a
nationwide standard for criminal justice reform," said Governor
Gretchen Whitmer. "I'm proud to
partner with DTE Energy as we take a new approach to preparing
inmates for successful lives after incarceration by creating the
nation's first vocational tree trim program. This skilled trades
program will improve outcomes of the folks going through our
criminal justice system, save taxpayer dollars on recidivism, and
make our communities safer."
Once released on parole, the students who have completed the
tree trim program in the Michigan Department of Corrections
(MDOC)'s Vocational Village at Parnall Correctional Facility will
be eligible to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers (IBEW) Local 17 Union and fill an open role with a local
tree trim supplier.
"We are excited to bring this program to Parnall's Vocational
Village with DTE to give our participating prisoners more career
options upon their release," said Heidi
Washington, MDOC director. "If we equip them with skills and
point them in the right direction, they will be much more
successful in supporting themselves and their families, and much
less likely to re-enter the criminal justice system."
The DTE Energy Foundation has provided the initial grant of
$100,000 to create the program and
purchase training equipment for the learning lab. DTE worked
closely with IBEW Local 17 to design and install a climbing
structure and training curriculum for the program.
For more information on DTE's tree trimming efforts click
here.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is
a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the
development and management of energy-related businesses and
services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric
company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern
Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million
customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy
businesses focused on power and industrial projects, renewable
natural gas, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and
energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE will
reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80 percent
by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe,
reliable and affordable. DTE is committed to being a force for
good in the communities where it serves through volunteerism,
education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and
economic progress. Information about DTE is available at
dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com,
twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com.
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dte-michigan-department-of-corrections-launch-first-of-its-kind-tree-trim-program-for-inmates-300881929.html
SOURCE DTE Energy