(ALBION) - Twenty residents of the Chain-O-Lakes Correctional Facility graduated recently from a nationally recognized welding program.

The 20 male offenders earned their nationally recognized American Welding Society certifications through Ivy Tech Fort Wayne.

Warden Charles Bowen commended their class' 100% passing rate for the course.

Each student who qualifies for the welding course is placed into a work release program and has an opportunity to start their career with local employers while remaining incarcerated.

The ultimate goal is to maintain continuous employment upon release.