In southeastern San Diego, a unique nonprofit is transforming lives by offering paid machinist apprenticeships to men exiting prison, giving them a fresh start with valuable skills and supportive care.
- Paid apprenticeships teach valuable machining skills.
- Only 3% of graduates re-offend versus national 66%.
- Therapy and support integral to the program’s success.
What happened
Rise Up Industries, based in a converted machine shop in southeastern San Diego, has spent over a decade providing paid apprenticeships to men recently released from prison. The program equips participants with CNC machining skills while they contribute to manufacturing parts for diverse industries like aerospace and medical devices.
Alongside hands-on training, the nonprofit offers tutoring, therapy, and case management, ensuring participants receive holistic support. Many apprentices emerge from years behind bars, often with limited educational or technological experience, yet they successfully gain certifications and valuable work experience soon after release.
Why it feels good
The program’s impact is profound: only 3% of Rise Up Industries graduates re-offend, a remarkable contrast to the national three-year recidivism rate of about 66%. Former apprentices like Komisi Savaiinaea and Anthony Walkens, who served decades in prison, attest to the program’s role in rebuilding self-confidence, responsibility, and community ties.
With support tailored to individuals’ needs — including therapy and health care — the initiative promotes not only job readiness but also emotional healing. Supervisors who were once participants provide mentorship, creating a welcoming environment that fosters shared growth and sustained success.
What to enjoy or watch next
San Diego’s advanced manufacturing sector offers a strong career pathway for skilled machinists, making this apprenticeship model both timely and scalable. Those interested can follow Rise Up Industries’ progress and stories to see firsthand the transformation happening in formerly incarcerated individuals’ lives.
Additionally, similar social enterprises are gaining traction in other sectors, such as artisan furniture crafted by formerly incarcerated designers, providing creative and meaningful work opportunities. Watching how these programs ripple throughout communities offers inspiring examples of rehabilitation and second chances.