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Workforce Development and Training Programs

From Prisonpedia

Workforce development and training programs provide education, skills training, and employment support to individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. These programs are critical to successful reentry, as stable employment significantly reduces recidivism.

Overview

Employment is consistently identified as one of the most important factors in successful reentry. However, individuals with criminal records face significant barriers to employment, including:

  • Employer reluctance to hire people with records
  • Gaps in work history during incarceration
  • Outdated or insufficient job skills
  • Limited education credentials
  • Licensing and occupational restrictions

Workforce development programs address these barriers through training, education, job placement assistance, and employer engagement.

Federal Programs

WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)

The primary federal workforce development legislation provides funding for:

  • Job training programs
  • Career counseling
  • Adult education and literacy
  • Supportive services

Justice-involved individuals are identified as a priority population for WIOA services.

Second Chance Act Programs

The Second Chance Act funds comprehensive reentry programs that include:

  • Vocational training
  • Job readiness preparation
  • Employment placement
  • Retention support

Federal Bonding Program

This Department of Labor program provides fidelity bonds that:

  • Guarantee employees' honesty to employers
  • Cover the first six months of employment
  • Are provided at no cost to employers or job seekers
  • Help overcome employer reluctance to hire

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Employers who hire individuals with felony convictions may receive:

  • Tax credits up to $2,400 per employee
  • Credits for hiring within one year of conviction or release
  • Additional incentive for employer participation

In-Prison Training Programs

UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)

UNICOR provides:

  • Work experience in manufacturing, services, and technology
  • Marketable job skills
  • Work habits and professional behavior training
  • Modest wages for participants

Vocational Training

Federal and state prisons offer vocational programs in:

  • Construction trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical)
  • Automotive repair
  • Welding
  • HVAC
  • Culinary arts
  • Computer technology
  • Healthcare support

Apprenticeship Programs

Some correctional facilities offer registered apprenticeship programs that:

  • Provide industry-recognized credentials
  • Count toward journey-level certification
  • Transfer to community employment

Post-Release Programs

One-Stop Career Centers

American Job Centers (formerly One-Stop Career Centers) provide:

  • Job search assistance
  • Resume preparation
  • Interview coaching
  • Skills assessments
  • Referrals to training programs

Transitional Jobs Programs

These programs provide:

  • Temporary, subsidized employment
  • Work experience for those with limited history
  • Soft skills development
  • Pathway to permanent employment

Social Enterprise Employment

Organizations that specifically hire returning citizens include:

  • Greyston Bakery (open hiring)
  • Homeboy Industries
  • Center for Employment Opportunities
  • Checkr (formerly Checkr's Give a Job program)

Education and Training Credentials

GED and High School Equivalency

GED programs are available in most correctional facilities and provide the foundation for further education and employment.

Postsecondary Education

College programs in prison have been shown to significantly reduce recidivism. Pell Grant eligibility has been restored for incarcerated students.

Industry Certifications

Valuable certifications for returning citizens include:

  • OSHA safety certifications
  • ServSafe food handler certification
  • CDL (Commercial Driver's License) - where permitted
  • CompTIA IT certifications
  • Forklift operator certification
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - where permitted

Addressing Employment Barriers

Ban the Box

Many jurisdictions have enacted "ban the box" laws that:

  • Remove criminal history questions from initial job applications
  • Delay background checks until later in the hiring process
  • Give applicants the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications first

Fair Chance Hiring

The federal government and many employers have adopted fair chance policies that:

  • Conduct individualized assessments of candidates
  • Consider the nature and age of offenses
  • Evaluate evidence of rehabilitation

Expungement and Record Clearing

Expungement and other record-clearing mechanisms can:

  • Remove barriers to employment
  • Restore eligibility for certain licenses
  • Allow truthful answers on applications

Occupational Licensing Restrictions

Many occupations require licenses that may be denied based on criminal history:

  • Healthcare professions
  • Financial services
  • Real estate
  • Education
  • Legal professions
  • Cosmetology and barbering

Reform efforts are underway in many states to:

  • Limit blanket bans on licensing
  • Require individualized assessment
  • Reduce lookback periods for old convictions

Employer Engagement

Benefits for Employers

Employers who hire returning citizens may benefit from:

  • Tax credits (WOTC)
  • Federal bonding at no cost
  • Access to motivated, loyal employees
  • Reduced turnover in high-turnover industries

Corporate Second Chance Initiatives

Major employers with second chance hiring programs include:

  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Starbucks
  • Koch Industries
  • Dave's Killer Bread

See Also

References

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