San Antonio Pilot Program Launches for “Second Chance” Workers
The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, in partnership with Bexar County’s Department of Economic and Community Development and Office of Criminal Justice Policy, Planning & Programs, will join four Texas manufacturers to establish a “second chance” hiring pilot program aimed at increasing opportunities in the industry for workers with criminal records.
“This program is a pioneering step toward creating a stronger workforce and doing the right thing for the people of San Antonio and the surrounding area,” said MI Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Second chance hiring gives businesses access to a talent pool in an often-overlooked population, and it gives more Americans a chance to pursue high-paying, rewarding careers. Forma Automotive, Vutex, Toyoda Gosei and Toyotetsu Texas will certainly be impressed by the caliber of employees they welcome into their ranks as part of this partnership. With manufacturers confronting the skills gap and needing to fill millions of positions by the end of the decade, this program is exactly the sort of initiative our industry and communities across the country need to take. The MI is proud to partner with companies to improve second chance hiring strategies, thanks to a grant from the Charles Koch Institute, and we look forward to expanding our work across the country.”