Changing Lives: The Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP)

BENEFITS OF PIECP

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP) is about successful reentry into the community. This program provides opportunities for men and women while incarcerated to participate in employment earning competitive wages. They receive on the job training, marketable skills and often employment upon release. This program is instrumental in providing individuals with soft skills training and preparing them for their futures.

45

Certificate Holders

249

Cost Accounting
Centers

4,088

PIECP Workers Program-Wide

A Department of Corrections, or an alternate umbrella authority, which is approved by Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for PIECP Project certification.

A separate accounting entity managed by a Certificate Holder within the Correctional Industries system, where all PIECP production occurs.

The incarcerated men and women who voluntarily work in Cost Accounting Centers for the PIECP program, receiving training and work experience.

PRODUCT FOCUS AREAS

Below are a few examples of industries in which incarcerated individuals are able to gain skills and training.

Metal Fabrication/Welding
Trade Carpentry/Woodworking
Furniture/Cabinetry Fabrication
Textile Design and Manufacturing
Food Safety/Sanitation/Production

Custodial Services
Graphic Design/Computer Coding
Printing/Bindery Services
Apparel/Uniform Design and Production
Warehouse Scanning/Shipping

The National Correctional Industries Association (NCIA) is the training and technical assistance provider for the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program, which is a program administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). BJA is a component of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions on this webpage are those of NCIA and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.