DTE Energy to use Michigan inmates for tree trimming operations
As part of a partnership between DTE Energy and the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), inmates will now have the opportunity for tree trimming work, training them to fill gaps in the state workforce while also providing new opportunities for the rehabilitated.
The program is based at MDOC’s Vocational Village within Parnall Correctional Facility. There, convicts will be, for all intents and purposes, students, and in that capacity, they will be taught how to climb trees, use tree trimming equipment and obtain Commercial Driver’s Licenses. Those who complete the training can then join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 17 Union once released on parole. They learn a skill and local businesses gain new employees to fill open tree trimming roles.
“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,” DTE Executive Chairman Gerry Anderson said.
DTE is supporting the endeavor through an initial, $100,000 grant, which will help purchase training equipment and found the program. An initial class is already underway, with 24 convict-workers.
“We have an opportunity here to make Michigan an example for the country and set a nationwide standard for criminal justice reform,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “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.”
Among other Michigan utilities, DTE uses 1,300 tree trimmers to pare greenery back from power lines, but the position has experienced a shortage of applicants for years. In this, they found an overlap with Michigan’s prison population — those who reenter the population currently see an unemployment rate of 60 percent.
