I spoke to the warden at Talladega FCI and informed him that I had completed Level One Of the HVAC course. I said I wished to complete all three levels, but no one is here is being allowed to complete levels 2 or 3 due to the supposed shortage of books and skilled officers in that department. He told me to write him a message stating that. So I did. Then I was called to the education building and confronted about my claims. I said that, with all due respect, I’ve only seen one person here complete Level 2 of HVAC. I am seeking to learn the full trade so I don’t do crimes to pay my bills once I am released from prison. Everyone wants to paint a picture that the BOP is offering programs and training people in trades, but it’s all hype.
Their response was that I have such a long sentence (until 2035), we can only put you on the waiting list for the electrical class. When there room is available, you can get in. Meanwhile, why don’t I just do the apprentice program? My response was that staff isn’t available in HVAC for the apprentice program either. In addition, level one of HVAC is very basic. I need the other levels. Their final response was that the instructor in that department is out on leave, and we have no idea when he will be back. Just wait patiently. (Update: The officer is out for paternity leave so they say and has been gone for four months. Apparently no other officer is available to take his place Plus, he is working in the camp not the medium. Therefore, I don’t see how anyone will ever be able to get the full HVAC training without him present in that department.
I just don’t get how we are supposed to be a success after prison if we’re not given the training that the government and taxpayers fund. For example, I am currently serving a 188-month federal sentence for Hobbs Act armed bank robbery. No one will want to hire me once I get out. You pay your debt to society for going against the system that’s set up to govern the people and you still have to pay for it when you are released. Nevertheless, this is why I strive daily to learn everything and want to know everything about HVAC. It will allow me to make employment for myself. I do not want to fail.
The thing is, the individuals who are going home are not really concerned about learning a trade…It’s us who have a lot of time left who are committed. I feel that learning a trade or completing any program should not be put on hold just because of someone’s release date. It requires a lot of a human to take the steps toward being better for themselves and their family.The daily peer pressure is hard in here, and the world is full of followers instead of leaders. How am I supposed to be the change they want to see in this world when the BOP puts up so many barriers?