For over 77 million Americans with criminal records, the journey after incarceration can feel like an uphill battle, filled with various employment barriers. These challenges often obstruct their path to successful reintegration, which is crucial for establishing stability and social connections necessary for rebuilding their lives. The significance of Second Chance Month shines a spotlight on our collective responsibility to address these issues and underscores the transformative potential of workforce development tools in securing sustainable employment for these individuals.
In today’s evolving job market—one that increasingly values skills over traditional credentials—we face a unique opportunity to empower returning citizens with competencies that are in high demand. As industries grapple with labor shortages and acknowledge the predictive value of skills-based hiring, it’s imperative to advocate for a shift from outdated background checks to a more progressive, skills-first approach to hiring.
Skills-based training can bridge the job callback gap
Research indicates that individuals impacted by the justice system are a staggering 50 percent less likely to receive callbacks for job interviews solely due to their criminal records. However, skills-based training emerges as a promising solution to bridge this gap. It opens doors to high-demand fields, such as technology and advanced manufacturing, ultimately benefiting both the individuals involved and the employers looking for talent.
The role of correctional facilities is pivotal in this transformation. Workforce development programs within these institutions, when paired with technological advancements, create a tangible pathway to successful reintegration. For instance, technology like tablets provided by Securus grants incarcerated individuals access to vocational training, digital skills development, and industry certifications that can enhance their employability.
Moreover, partnerships such as the one between Securus and R3 Score highlight the powerful impact of technology. They connect U.S. Department of Labor resources like Job1Stop, offering over 200 career-readiness videos and proprietary training tailored to ensure individuals are not just interview-ready, but also primed for successful reentry into society. Job1Stop, which is now integrated into Securus tablets, achieved astonishing engagement, driving over 10 million impressions in its first 24 hours. With over 75,000 active users spending roughly five minutes a day browsing from a database of more than 600,000 job listings, the potential for engagement is clear.
Collaboration with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
A further significant collaboration involves Securus, Workbay, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which has actively deployed career training across 108 correctional units. This initiative has engaged over 102,000 individuals, facilitating support for post-release employment opportunities. It’s a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when technology and workforce development intersect within the criminal justice system.
However, the broad implementation of these technology-driven workforce development programs is contingent on sustained investment from both public and private sectors. Securus’s commitment to investing in broadband infrastructure and the ongoing development of LTE and Wi-Fi-connected tablets is crucial for expanding digital access in these facilities.
Second Chance Month serves as more than just a reminder; it’s a clarion call to action. Employers, innovators, and regulators are urged to embrace fair chance solutions—creating structures that incentivize investments, bridge the digital divide, and expand access for justice-impacted individuals.
Access to tablets and robust internet connectivity within correctional facilities transcends job training. It fosters essential digital literacy, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern job market confidently. This investment is not solely about securing immediate job placement; it’s about laying the groundwork for long-term success and reducing recidivism by equipping individuals with the necessary tools to thrive in a technology-driven society.
By focusing on skills-based training and expanding access to technology, society can empower justice-impacted individuals to move beyond their pasts. This effort is not merely about reducing recidivism; it’s about recognizing and unlocking the immense potential within every individual, paving the way for more productive futures for all.
Dave Abel is the President and CEO of Aventiv Technologies. Teresa Hodge is the President of Mission: Launch, a non-profit focused on accelerating self-sufficiency and improving social outcomes for Americans with an arrest and/or conviction record, and is the Chairperson of the Aventiv Technologies Advisory Board. This Expert Opinion is exclusive to Broadband Breakfast.
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