State prisons to launch tattoo training program
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The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is in the process of establishing its first tattoo artist training program for inmates at the state prison in Frackville.
The department released a request for proposals on Sept. 4 seeking a vendor to provide an instructor to work 32-40 hours a week leading a tattoo artist apprenticeship program for those incarcerated in the prison.
The contractor would be hired for a two-year term with the option of three one-year renewals.
The prison system's new tattoo artists training program would be one of two dozen vocational programs offered to state prison inmates.
"Department leadership continuously evaluates its educational and vocational programs, with the goal of providing relevant, in-demand training to assist the incarcerated population in securing employment upon reentry," Department of Corrections spokesman Ryan Tarkowski said in an email to CapitolWire/State Affairs.
Tarkowski said prison officials toured a similar program at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Delaware, which has had a tattoo artist training program since early 2025.
The Delaware program has demonstrated that the training provides "a pathway for steady employment -- or self-employment -- upon release," Tarkowski said. "Delaware officials also shared that the program helped to mitigate hepatitis risk and treatment costs from illegal tattooing among the incarcerated population and also helped participants earn money while incarcerated to pay restitution and court costs."
Delaware is one of at least three states that offer tattoo artist training behind bars. Similar programs are offered in Missouri and Minnesota.
Recidivism reductions
Prison officials say that participation in such career training programs translates into meaningful reductions in recidivism among former inmates.
A study by researchers at the University of Maryland reviewed the administrative records of more than 41,000 inmates incarcerated between 2010 and 2021 and found that former inmates who had career training in prison were 52% less likely to be rearrested. The study also found that inmates were more likely to land jobs in the fields in which they'd gotten vocational training.
The researchers also found that 1 in 5 state prison inmates in the period covered by the study had participated in at least one vocational training during imprisonment. Inmates serving longer sentences were more likely to participate in such training.
The bid opening for proposals from prospective vendors interested in leading the tattoo artist training is scheduled for Oct. 4.
Training programs
Vocational training
programs offered in Pennsylvania state prisons include:
Auto Mechanics/Technology
Barber/Cosmetology
Business Education
CDL
Carpentry
Certified Peer Specialist
Construction Fundamentals
Custodial Maintenance
Electricity (Electrician)
Electronics
Flagger
Fiber Optics
Horticulture/Landscaping
HVAC
Machine Shop
Masonry
Optical Assistant
Plumbing
Print Shop
Restaurant Trades
Warehouse Operations
Welding