Why Main Street Can’t Afford to Ignore Second Chance Hires
Training programs for those involved with the criminal justice system have evolved significantly. Today, industry leaders are bringing high-level certification courses directly into correctional facilities.
The Talent Is There
If Google and Amazon Web Services are vying for a specific talent pool, small businesses should pay attention. These companies are actively integrating into correctional facilities to train and hire the formerly incarcerated. Why? Because the data supports it.
As has been discussed, it isn’t just the tech sector that is or could be tapping into this talent pool. For a small business seeking employees, the numbers are significant: every year, anywhere from 400,000 to more than 600,000 people are released from prison, joining the millions already seeking a fresh start.
However, the supply is not infinite. As Wall Street recognizes the value of these training programs, they absorb the best talent quickly. For businesses on Main Street, this means the longer you wait to consider this demographic, the harder it will be to compete for skilled workers.
Big Tech has realized something that many small businesses haven't: There is an immense, skilled talent pool waiting to be hired.
The Results Don't Lie
As was mentioned, hundreds of thousands of individuals return to their communities every year. Yet, the unemployment rate for this demographic remains staggeringly high — around 30%. This isn't due to a lack of effort; data shows that 93% of formerly incarcerated individuals want to work.
While corporations like Microsoft are actively recruiting this talent, many small businesses are hesitant. This is a missed opportunity. If “mom and pop” shops exclude this demographic, they are voluntarily shrinking their own candidate pool while their biggest competitors expand theirs.
Beyond filling a seat, hiring from this population brings a unique asset to your culture: drive.
Studies show that people who have been in the criminal justice system, especially those who have completed skills training, are often more motivated and loyal than the average hire. They aren't just looking for a paycheck; they are looking to turn their lives around. That desire to “do something” translates into lower turnover and higher dedication.
The talent is there. The drive is real. The only question is: will your business make the hire?
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