Having worked at two other institutions (SCI Greensburg and SCRF Mercer) that have an OOR program, I knew what to expect when I was told that we would be getting the program at SCI Cambridge Springs. I knew the program provided a good opportunity for inmates both to learn building trades skills and develop good work habits.

Perhaps equally important were my expectations that when the program came to SCI Cambridge Springs, it would involve enrolling women trainees in a program to teach them skills in the non-traditional field of building trades. I had been involved in a similar program for women and had an idea of some ways in which women and men students differ in such programs.

That experience led me to expect that in many ways the women enrolled in the OOR program here would have a different type (and perhaps greater level) of motivation than men students. Because it is a non-traditional field, women students-unlike their male counterparts-are not pre-pro-grammed to believe they don't need to be "taught" building skills and aren't blocked from learning to do things the right way. Further, they appear to be more eager to be sure all details are addressed properly and are more likely to want to keep busy doing something constructive while on the job.

My expectations for OOR at Cambridge Springs have been met. The program is proving to teach the women skills and develop good work habits. At the same time, those enrolled are clearly showing that construction is not just men's work.