Second Chances: How Contractors Can Hire Reentering Citizens
Zachary Phillips, Construction Dive
For years, Jaime Rivera faced obstacles to stable work opportunities as a result of his criminal record. A recent graduate of the Rebuilding Reentrants & Reading program, Rivera (above right) said he was grateful for a second chance.
"If it wasn't for the program I'd probably still be out there getting crap jobs," Rivera said. Now, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many have lost their jobs or found their income impacted, Rivera has had stability at his job in Reading, Pennsylvania.
April — dubbed "Second Chance Month" — is dedicated to raising awareness about the barriers formerly incarcerated individuals face when reentering the workforce and helping them find a brighter future.
In recent years, the construction industry has faced an employment crisis. Construction companies will need to hire at least 430,000 more workers this year than they employed in 2020.