Moraine Park Technical College assisted with the welding addition. Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald said the welding lab is based off of the welding boot camp model used at the tech school. The boot camp was created to address a skilled worker storage. The boot camps were developed in 2012 as 15-week courses with a certificate issued to those who complete the program.

“They can later get a technical diploma if they decide to after their release,” Baerwald said.

There are no fees for those who enroll in the prison welding program.

Amanda Franzen of Oshkosh also is in the welding program at Taycheedah. Franzen, 38, said not only do inmates learn about welding, but also blueprint reading and team building. They also complete 72 hours each of gas metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding to finish the course.

Franzen, in prison due to a probation violation, said she is scheduled to be released Nov. 5 and has been working on her resume and applying for jobs.

“That way I can have a job when I leave here and start working right away,” Franzen said. “I can’t wait.”