Inside Soledad State Prison with Larry Jones – Part 3 | American Plumber Stories

In the final episode of our three-part series from Soledad State Prison, we sit down with Dr. Piazza, State Administrator for Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Dr. Piazza shares powerful insights into how multi-sensory trade programs—often called “VOKE programs”—are transforming lives behind prison walls. More than just job training, these programs help incarcerated individuals discover purpose, build confidence, and develop real-world skills that drastically reduce recidivism—from 45–60% down to less than 13% when paired with cognitive behavioral interventions. 

This episode goes beyond plumbing or electrical work. It’s about dignity, second chances, and helping people become the kind of neighbors we all want—skilled, thoughtful, and hopeful. Whether you're passionate about criminal justice reform, vocational education, or creating a safer, more compassionate society, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.