Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, all prisoners sentenced to the department of correction whose commitments are delayed pursuant to this part or pursuant to the order of a federal court, and who are being held by the county pending the commitment, may, at the discretion of the sheriff or superintendent, participate in appropriate academic, vocational and work-related programs that are available to persons sentenced to local jails or workhouses, and may be awarded time reduction credits as authorized by chapter 2 of this title for participation in the programs.