As workforce shortages persist, some manufacturers have turned to hiring of individuals who have been involved in the justice system鈥攃alled second chance hiring鈥攁s a practical solution to fill critical roles and improve retention.

In recognition of Second Chance Awareness Month, the Manufacturing Institute鈥攖he workforce development and education affiliate of the 51吃瓜网鈥攃onvened leaders from Toyotetsu Texas and JBM Packaging to discuss what it really takes for second chance hiring programs to succeed.

• This virtual discussion was part of the MI鈥檚 monthly , which offers manufacturers timely, high-impact, actionable insights to address workforce challenges.

The business case: For TTTX and JBM Packaging, second chance hiring does more than just help their communities鈥攊t鈥檚 a strategic response to a business need. Justice-impacted individuals are an often-overlooked talent population who tend to demonstrate strong loyalty and long-term commitment to employers who give them a chance. Their high engagement and motivation to succeed can impact their shop floor culture positively.

• 鈥淲e started [second] chance hiring because we had more work than we had workers,鈥� said JBM Packaging Leader of Learning and Development Jacqueline Cooley. 鈥淲e were looking for a way to get people in the door, to keep people [and] to produce the packaging we need.鈥�
• Today, 46% of JBM Packaging鈥檚 workforce is second chance hires, and their turnover rate sits at approximately 13鈥�14%鈥攚ell below the manufacturing industry average.
• TTTX also attributes low turnover rates to strategic investment in second chance hiring.

More than just filling jobs: Many justice-impacted individuals face barriers like financial, housing and transportation insecurity, which can prevent even the most motivated hires from succeeding at work. Both TTTX and JBM Packaging built their second chance programs to address those challenges.

• TTTX created a carpool program for employees without transportation and provides basic job essentials like steel-toed boots. They also implemented a mentorship system to help new justice-impacted employees acclimate.
• JBM Packaging enrolls new second chance hires in its Better Lives program, a year-long holistic program that includes financial and life coaching, in-house loans, access to a vehicle and wellness resources.
• 鈥淲e鈥檙e not focused on just hiring individuals. We鈥檙e focused on building a system鈥攈aving a comprehensive, holistic approach鈥攎aking sure that we are setting up these individuals for success, because in the long run, when they鈥檙e successful, our organization is going to be successful,鈥� said TTTX Vice President of Administration Leslie Cantu.

A second chance in action: Don Christian is one of the most powerful examples of what second chance hiring can accomplish. After more than 20 years of incarceration, Christian learned of TTTX from his parole officer in 2018 and became one of the first individuals hired through the program. His enthusiasm, dedication and positive impact on the plant floor helped TTTX successfully pilot and continue its second chance program.

• Today, Christian serves as a peer mentor at TTTX, helping new hires navigating similar challenges. He is also enrolled at San Antonio College, pursuing a degree in life coaching and social work with the goal of paying his opportunity forward.
• 鈥淚 [had] never had a job in my life. I had no experience, but I gave it a shot. When I got [to TTTX], it changed my life. It gave me a chance to reshape my life,鈥� said Christian.
• To other second chance hires, Christian has the following advice: 鈥淣ow you鈥檙e given a second chance. Show them what you got. Show them what you can do.鈥�

Next steps: The MI offers additional second chance hiring resources on its , including an employer toolkit. The toolkit outlines the聽five major steps of building and launching a second chance hiring initiative:聽Plan, Partner, Equip, Implement and聽Sustain.

• As mentioned above, the MI explores solutions like second chance hiring every month in its Solution Series, which you can sign up for via the .
• May鈥檚 Solution Series event will feature the ins and outs of planning and delivering a successful event that will help inspire the next generation of the manufacturing workforce. Learn more and register .