TDCJ News

TDCJ Facilities Division Launches High Voltage Training Program

May 29, 2025

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is proud to announce the successful launch of its new High Voltage Training Program, an initiative designed to provide both inmates and agency technicians with essential skills for safely working on medium and high voltage electrical lines. This specialized training, spearheaded by the TDCJ Facilities Division, emphasizes proper wire handling and crucial electrical safety practices.

"This High Voltage Training program reflects our commitment to providing inmates with job skills while simultaneously enhancing the expertise of our technicians," Ron Hudson Facilities Division Director said. "We believe that providing inmates with valuable trade skills like these significantly increases their likelihood of successful reintegration into society and reduces recidivism.”

The curriculum, developed and delivered by certified professionals from the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction, covers a wide array of topics related to high voltage safety and operations. Upon successful completion, all participating staff and inmates receive a certificate.

The program began with a four-day training session at the Ellis Unit, where hands-on skills were demonstrated at the Wynne and Wainwright Units. This first session included eight male inmates and seven technicians. A separate session for female inmates, held at the Hilltop Unit, later involved five inmates and twelve technicians.

To qualify for the program, inmates must be classified as an outside trusty and assigned to maintenance at a regional level.

“People are more likely to stay out of trouble if they've got a job that is a trade that you can actually get out and build a career on,” inmate lineman Bradley Wehnes said. “It provides a sense of accomplishment.”

The agency plans to expand the program and offer more training opportunities in the next fiscal year, further broadening the impact of this initiative.