About VCE

Benefits for the Citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia

  • A self-supported agency at no cost to taxpayers
  • Fueling of the economy through employee wages and raw material purchases
  • Returning trained, productive citizens to the community

Customer Benefits

  • Quality products and services
  • Relief from the state’s bidding process
  • Full service operation from design to delivery and installation of case goods
  • Purchases from VCE are NOT counted against agency SWaM totals – no penalty for purchasing from VCE

Inmate Staff Benefits

  • Marketable job skills
  • Development of a sound work ethic
  • Self-confidence, pride and self-esteem
  • VCE inmate staff achieved a lower recidivism rate than Virginia’s overall recidivism rate (consistently among the lowest in the country) and a high rate of job attainment

Correctional Facilities Benefits

  • A means to combat offender idleness
  • A tactic to reduce costly disruptive behavior while contributing to the maintenance of a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff

Customers We Serve

  • Virginia Government Agencies
  • Virginia Universities and Colleges
  • Virginia Community Colleges
  • Virginia Municipalities and Counties
  • Virginia Municipal Jails
  • Virginia State Hospitals and Museums
  • Virginia Non-Profit Organizations
  • Virginia Public Schools
  • Virginia First Responder Organizations

VCE's Mission

About Us

Virginia Correctional Enterprises (VCE) is a self-supporting agency designed to provide incarcerated individuals with job training, skills development, and employment opportunities within the Virginia Department of Corrections. Established over 85 years ago by the Virginia General Assembly, VCE focuses on reducing recidivism by equipping inmates with the tools they need to reintegrate into society successfully.

VCE’s job-training programs are not only beneficial to inmates, but they also contribute to one of the lowest reincarceration rates in the country, demonstrating the success of the program in rehabilitating individuals. Additionally, the products produced by VCE are crafted with great pride and are held to high industry standards, meeting established certifications. This combination of practical training and quality production has made VCE an important part of Virginia's correctional system, contributing to both the rehabilitation of offenders and the local economy.

VCE’s mission is to strengthen future employment opportunities and marketable skills for inmate workers through on-the-job training and work development programs, supported by the production and delivery of quality products and services to our customers. VCE workforce development programs are voluntary, inmate workers apply, interview and are accepted into a program based on a predetermined set of criteria for each program.

Preparing for a Successful Reentry

VCE Workforce Development plays a crucial role in preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society by enhancing their skills and productivity. By offering a combination of soft skills training and specialized technical education, the program ensures that participants not only improve their work ethic but also gain essential competencies that are valuable in today’s job market.

  • Soft Skills Development: Inmates are trained in critical interpersonal and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, accountability, and the principles of lean practices. These are essential for their future success in the workplace, allowing them to adapt and thrive in a variety of professional environments.
  • Specialized Skill Training: The program offers hands-on training in industries such as furniture design and manufacturing, AutoCAD, and maintenance and sanitation solutions. This training helps prepare inmates for roles that require technical expertise, making them more competitive candidates when seeking employment after release.
  • Registered Apprenticeships & Certifications: Through partnerships with industry professionals, VCE offers Registered Apprenticeships and vendor certifications. These provide inmates with recognized credentials that enhance their employability and make them more attractive to potential employers in the private sector.
  • Workforce Development Programs: The overarching goal of VCE's workforce development programs is to equip inmates with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to secure meaningful employment after their release.

By focusing on both soft skills and technical expertise, VCE Workforce Development ensures that inmates are not only ready for immediate employment but also positioned for future career growth. This dual approach enhances their chances of building a stable and fulfilling life after incarceration.

Facilities

Thank You for your support! VCE Delivers!

Please make an appointment to visit the VCE showroom to experience the full range of products & services we offer, speak to a VCE sales rep and truly experience the important mission we fulfill.

Virginia Correctional Enterprises
8030 Whitebark Terrace
North Chesterfield, VA 23237

Find out more about how VCE programs enable inmates a greater chance of finding a job after release.

Spotlight on VCE Teams - Learn about the teams that help supply the Commonwealth of Virginia with quality products and services.

We received the booklets this afternoon and they look great. Thank you for making this job a priority on Friday! Send our thanks to the VCE team for quick turnaround.