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Persistent unemployment is a critical criminogenic factor linked to higher recidivism rates. In an effort to build career pathways for returning citizens in the trades, the Michigan Department of Corrections designed and operated a first-of-its kind immersive skilled trades training program called the “Vocational Villages” prior to parole within select state prison facilities. These Villages leverage technologies such as virtual reality and robotics to optimize the opportunity to provide the equivalent of master-level trades credentials in 14 different trades. 

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