Press Release:
President Obama Re-entry
and Employment for People with Felonies
Last Friday President
Obama invited a group of rappers and musicians including Chance The Rapper,
Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, Alicia Keys, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Pusha T, Janelle
Monáe, Timbaland, Ludacris, J. Cole, and Wale to the White House to discuss
criminal justice reform and support programs designed to help young men of
color. Last month I met an older male at the job expo event that was released
from prison after serving 21 years for armed robbery. He approached the
registration table with a glazed look on this face uncertain of what to do,
unsure of his next step beyond arrival – carrying a skills assessment test
provided by the Department of Corrections with instructions to obtain
employment in the top five career fields nursing, engineering, insurance,
social work and sales.
Many people with
criminal backgrounds are instructed by parole/probation officers to ask
employers if they are “felony friendly” asking this question will guarantee you
are never hired by any company. It is apparent that people hired to help individual
with a criminal past obtain viable employment follow a procedures script when they
send potential applicants in the real world where they are demoralized and prejudged
for having a criminal past by employers that are hiring. The looming pressure
from the Department of Corrections to obtain employment for ex-offenders is
haunting especially when the alternative is returning to prison, one and eight
people return to a life of crime, drugs or prison within 30 to 45 days after
release.
Michigan Employers Hire a Felon Receive $2,400 Tax Credit.
Michigan employers can
receive tax incentives and business protection when they employ ex-offenders,
former substance abusers, and other individuals who have questionable
backgrounds as high-risk and potentially untrustworthy workers. The United
States Department of Labor rewards employers with a $2,400 work opportunity tax
credit for hiring ex-felons 1 year after release from prison or
conviction.
Michigan employers that
are apprehensive about hiring at risk employees can receive up to $25,000 for
losses that are incurred as a result of hiring a high-risk employee when they
participate in the Fidelity Bonding Program an incentive to encourage employers
to hire employees who might otherwise be denied employment. Michigan employers
receive protection against dishonest acts of theft, larceny, forgery and
embezzlement committed by a bonded employee. The Fidelity Bonding Program is
free of charge to employers for the first six months of employment.
Real Felony Friendly Career Opportunities. Top Five
Occupations for Ex-Offenders.
- Don’t apply for positions you do not have previous work experience/training or education for unless the employer states they are willing to train new hires.
- Do apply for the positions as a normal candidate; remember to boost about your skills and experience relevant to the position. Many employers want to hire employees that can do the job. It is a fact that many employers will deny you for employment because of your background, don’t let your past define your future, stay positive in your job search and you will see results.
- Don’t ask any employers if they are “felony friendly”. Whomever started this trend clearly never had any criminal convictions to explain in an employment interview.
Top Five Occupations for Ex-Offenders.
Certified Welder Jobs. Despite the high unemployment rate, skilled workers are hard
to come by and therefore always in high demand. Too many jobs: not enough
welders. From manufacturing to construction the demand for welders is strong.
Salaries are also good, given that many jobs don’t require extensive education.
Average wages are $17-25 an hour, with more complex roles like underwater
welding; specialized certifications; or supervisory roles offering even higher
earnings. Contact the American Welding Society at www.aws.org
HVACR Technician Jobs. Develop the skills to start a new career as an HVACR
Technician in only 9 months with MIAT’s Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning
& Refrigeration training program. Job growth within this field is propelled
by new construction and the need to retrofit or upgrade older systems as more
energy efficient equipment is released and new safety and environmental
regulations come into effect. Details
available at www.miat.edu
Automotive Servicing Jobs. Regardless of the state of the economy, people always
need vehicles that run — and run well. More than ever, skilled auto repair
professionals are in demand and not just because people want their vehicle to
run, but because of the way vehicles are made. Skilled auto techs make nearly
$40,000 per year and according to the United States Department of Labor. Oakland
Community College offers a certificate program designed to prepare students for
entry-level servicing operations in the automotive field. Information available
at www.oaklandcc.edu
Skilled Manufacturing Jobs. During the employment crisis many companies offered
production and machine workers a buyout or early retirement, now the economy is
improving the need for cnc machine workers is serious. Ex-offenders can look
forward to earning $ 10.00 to $18.00 hourly as a machinist. Henry Ford
Community College offers the Basic Machine Tool Technology/ CNC Certificate training.
Students will develop basic skills to obtain entry-level employment. Information
available at www.hfcc.edu
Transportation Jobs: If you are re-entering the job market with little work
experience, few marketable skills and red flags in your background, consider
getting started in the transportation industry. Individuals with a clean
driving record and ability to pass MDOT drug testing requirements will find
success as a truck driver, motor coach driver, rail car porter, and courier.
Employment of bus drivers is expected to increase through the year 2019,
primary to meet the growing transportation needs in downtown Detroit. Contact
Kim Quinn with International Trucking School regarding 15-week truck driver
training program at 1-800-TRUCKING
Multicopter Pilot. It’s predicted that 80,000 drone related jobs will flood the
market over the next few years. From aerial photography and cinematography in
the extreme sports (or outdoor film industry) to land surveying start-ups and
drone manufacturers, the job market is in an exciting growth state. Pay can
range: $15.00 to $38.00 per hour depending upon experience and skill. Oakland University
offers a multicopters certificate course details available at www.oakland.edu
IT/Computer Jobs. The demand for helpdesk support, web designers, database
administrators and many other related fields in technology open the hiring door
to potential applicants with accredited training. Global Information Technology
offers several fast-track certificate programs designed to help candidates
launch a new career. Contact Esa Khalid for course details at (866)-GO-GIT-GO
Good Luck, Happy Job
Hunting! CJ Eason is
The Job Doctor. She is a recruiter, resume repair expert and director of
community outreach for JobFairGiant.com. Email jobdoctor@jobfairgiant.com.