Recidivism is a longstanding, difficult problem with often intractable resolutions. Upon re-entry, previously incarcerated individuals statistically have less education and employment experience, according to the Department of Justice, which can make getting back on their feet and becoming productive members of society an insurmountable task.
To provide professional opportunities and support potential employers, Associated Builders and Contractors chapters nationwide are supporting contractors’ re-entry efforts that incorporate industry-recognized curricula and offer entry-level job skills training and counseling. While program details vary state-to-state, successes are inspiring.
Take a deeper look into three of these humanitarian, skills-based programs.
Bell & Associates Construction
For two years, Bell & Associates Construction has been involved in a prison workforce development program that employs incarcerated individuals to work on construction sites while simultaneously affording them opportunities to build skills and interact with non-incarcerated construction professionals.
The program enables incarcerated individuals in the state of Tennessee to gain marketable trade skills while earning money to help them successfully transition back into the workforce once released. BELL provides incarcerated workers with relevant classes and on-site job and safety training. Unlike other programs, these workers are paid a wage equal to what their counterparts earn from local employers. The program has graduated four classes of 12 to 15 trainees, totaling 54 participants. Twenty have since left prison, and half are still working in construction.
The program emphasizes dignity. Each incarcerated worker is allowed to change out of his prison jumpsuit for the day, buy lunch and eat with other non-incarcerated workers using a pre-paid credit card. As a result of their natural integration into a real-world setting, and by interacting with full-time construction workers, the program participants report an increase in confidence, hope for the future and a sense of accomplishment at a time when they need it most.
A special ceremony is held when the participants graduate from the course. For many incarcerated individuals and their families, it’s the first and only time they’ve worn a cap and gown. BELL often hires the graduates to continue working for them.
Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola
Home to almost 6,000 incarcerated men, Louisiana’s Angola prison has been gradually losing its violent reputation (and its reputation as the nation’s leader in imprisonment, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts) as the state makes efforts to reduce mandatory life sentences, decrease recidivism and supply inmates with the tools—both mental and emotional—to cope once released.
The prison’s re-entry system is unique, in that candidates are chosen by judges during sentencing and monitored throughout their incarceration. Provided they have not committed a violent or sexual offense, these mentees are entered into a two-year minimum structured training course and paired with mentors who themselves have been trained in construction coursework. All mentors are incarcerated men with life sentences and are certified in 14 crafts, including masonry, drywall, electrical, automotive, plumbing, welding, HVAC and carpentry.
The program teaches both practical skills and interpersonal skills—allowing the men to utilize and enhance their abilities. If the prison HVAC breaks down, the HVAC students mobilize to fix the problem; if a section of hallway goes dark, the electrical students troubleshoot until lighting returns. Those selected for the program must also accept responsibility for their actions and are required to attend drug rehabilitation, anger management or Alcoholics Anonymous—whichever applies.
The program is running so smoothly that it now acts as a model system. Mentors use NCCER’s standard Industry Recognized Credential curriculum and consult with NCCER to update and modify the coursework. Incarcerated individuals are required to pass exams sequentially, just like any other professional would.
ABC has worked with this program to ensure that standards of safety and curriculum are maintained at the highest level, acting as a mentor to the program and providing guidance whenever needed. It is the belief of ABC that this program can only supply a win-win-win—for Angola, newly-credentialed participants, as well as the association and its members.
Miller and Long
A concrete construction company based in Maryland, Miller & Long was started by two partners in 1947 and now employs more than 1,500 workers. Over the years, those workers have included hundreds of formerly incarcerated construction professionals.
One of Miller & Long’s core philosophies, along with a dedication to safety and training, is an unflinching commitment to consider the “whole person” during the hiring process. The goal is not only to ensure that returning citizens have access to a breadth of career tracks (e.g. crane operator, carpenter foreman or human resources professional), but that they have the support they need to succeed and reduce recidivism.
In order to improve those social outcomes, Miller & Long backs peer-to-peer forums and sponsors support groups dedicated to the hardships associated with re-entry. Their positive attitude and progressive hiring practices positions their company for success while offering solutions to an overlooked, unmined employment demographic.
“We are proud to be known in our community as a good employer, willing and able to provide a second chance,” says Brett McMahon, chief executive officer at Miller and Long. “We are proud they are members of our team.”
