The programs are expected to save the county money and reduce recidivism rates by helping inmates find employment after release. Officials realized that without training, inmates would find it extremely difficult to find jobs after release. John Welch, director of the Wicomico County Department of Corrections, saw an opportunity with Aramark, viewing the company more as a partner than as a service provider. The new programs were an easy sell. Aramark supervisors train inmates in various skills and trades, including dishwashing, food preparation, meat cutting, knife handling, food safety, and cooking.
Inmates can then be able to prepare daily meals for the facility.
Maintenance jobs include preventive maintenance on air-conditioning, plumbing, and general maintenance cleaning. One maintenance job allows three supervised inmates to cut grass and complete other parks and recreation maintenance for the city of Salisbury. Inmates were also trained to install a sprinkler system for the facility and for landscaping, both at a reduced cost to the city. Aramark officials praise the success of the program. Many of the inmates have already been trained in various skills needed in other segments of the company.