The Impact of Participation in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Technical Education Certificate Programs on Rates of Recidivism

This study examines the impact of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Technical Education Certificate Programs on recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated individuals. CNC is a vocational training program that focuses on machine operation, programming, maintenance, and quality control processes for CNC equipment, preparing participants for skilled employment utilizing computer software to make high precision parts for manufactures. Employing mixed-methods, this study utilizes data from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and data from surveys and focus groups with program participants. For the quantitative analyses, CNC participants rates of experiencing a subsequent charge, conviction, term of incarceration, and time until new charge were compared to a comparison group constructed through propensity score matching. While the quantitative analysis revealed no significant differences in recidivism between the groups, qualitative findings indicated several benefits to participating in the program.