(a) All inmates committed to the Department of Correction for institutional care shall be required to participate in the various work programs to which assigned and may be afforded vocational training and rehabilitative opportunities in accordance with rules, regulations, and procedures therefor as promulgated by the Director of the Department of Correction with the approval of the Board of Corrections.
(b) The department may institute "work-release" programs under which the inmates selected to participate in the programs may be gainfully employed or attend school outside of the units maintained by the department, under rules and regulations promulgated by the director with the approval of the board.