Enhancing vocational training in corrections: A type 1 hybrid randomized controlled trial protocol for evaluating virtual reality job interview training among returning citizens preparing for community re-entry

Abstract

The Michigan Department of Corrections operates the Vocational Villages, which are skilled trades training programs set within prisons that include an immersive educational community using virtual reality, robotics, and other technologies to develop employable trades. An enhancement to the Vocational Villages could be an evidence-based job interview training component. Recently, we conducted a series of randomized controlled trials funded by the National Institute of Mental Health to evaluate the efficacy of virtual reality job interview training (VR-JIT). The results suggested that the use of VR-JIT was associated with improved job interview skills and a greater likelihood of receiving job offers within 6 months. The primary goal of this study is to report on the protocol we developed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-JIT at improving interview skills, increasing job offers, and reducing recidivism when delivered within two Vocational Villages via a randomized controlled trial and process evaluation. Our aims are to: (1) evaluate whether services-as-usual in combination with VR-JIT, compared to services-as-usual alone, enhances employment outcomes and reduces recidivism among returning citizens enrolled in the Vocational Villages; (2) evaluate mechanisms of employment outcomes and explore mechanisms of recidivism; and (3) conduct a multilevel, mixed-method process evaluation of VR-JIT implementation to assess the adoptability, acceptability, scalability, feasibility, and implementation costs of VR-JIT.

Enhancing pre-employment transition services: A type 1 hybrid randomized controlled trial protocol for evaluating WorkChat: A Virtual Workday among autistic transition-age youth

“…The scientific team from the University of Michigan collaborated with SIMmersion on designing the initial protocol using the first author's prior HTI trials in mental health agencies and prisons [ 28 , 29 ]. After funding was obtained, the protocol was reviewed and refined using feedback from a series of community, diversity, and scientific advisory boards, which included autistic stakeholders (see 3.3).…”

Improving Employment Outcomes for the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Returning Citizens

“…The second approach leverages technology to help individuals practice their interviewing skills. For example, in its Vocational Villages program, the Michigan Department of Corrections is exploring a virtual reality (VR)-supported job interview training tool (Smith et al, 2020). Using the tool, an incarcerated individual may select one of eight positions at a fictional company and complete a job application similar to those found online from national retailers.…”

Leveraging Technology to Support Prisoner Reentry

“…For example, some agencies are using VR and other simulation tools to teach welding to individuals in custody or help them prepare for their commercial driver's licenses (Meade, 2016). VR-supported job interview training is being explored by the Michigan Department of Corrections (Smith et al, 2020). Scenarios allow individuals in custody to apply for a position at a fictional company and practice their interview skills.…”