A group of inmates at the Wyoming Women's Center in Lusk are learning to operate a sheep's foot.

They are also learning to run a scraper, a skid steer, a loader, D5 dozer and a backhoe.

It's part of a new program that equips women prisoners who have children to operate heavy equipment. The program is a partnership between the state Department of Workforce Services and the Department of Corrections.

Seven women began training on Feb. 9. They are scheduled for release within six weeks after completing the program.

"When a mom gets out and gets a real job, and can support herself and her kids, everybody benefits," said Betty Abbott, correctional education programs manager.

In 2008, the statewide average wage for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators was $21.11; the average entry level wage was nearly $16 an hour, according to the Wyoming Department of Employment.

Training will be provided by instructors from the McMurry Training Center in Casper. It will last five weeks.

Joan Evans, director for the Department of Workforce Services, said discussions about the program began at a time the state was experiencing severe labor shortages. Even though the economy slowed, she said program graduates should still be well-positioned to re-enter the work force.

"For heavy equipment operations, we feel pretty confident there will be employment opportunities," she said, "because these are kind of the high-demand, high-wage occupations. So we feel OK that this training will still be applicable."

This is the first time the Department of Workforce Services has joined with another state agency for the purpose of creating a specific job-training program.

Abbott said the training will take place at the Wyoming Women's Center. In addition to generally moving dirt around, the trainees will prepare the ground for a volleyball court and a steel building.

The program costs $68,000, mostly for equipment leasing.

During a transition period after release their from Lusk, graduates likely will stay at adult community corrections facilities in Gillette, Cheyenne and Casper, Abbott said. The Department of Workforce Services and Wyoming Contractors Association will help place them in permanent jobs.

Evans said once the program is completed, her department will evaluate the results and decide whether to move ahead with a second offering at the Women's Center.

And about that sheep's foot?

It's a type of roller, used for compaction of sub-bases for foundations, roads and other projects.

Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@trib.com, or call 307-266-0574.