Second chance hirings of the formerly incarcerated urged to reduce state’s worker shortage
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - As employers struggle to find workers, government and business officials say there is an overlooked untapped market - former inmates.
A forum was held Thursday at The Two Museums encouraging businesses to hire the formerly incarcerated who are being trained for the workforce.
“Give us a chance,” said Richard Boykin.
For the Pearl resident, it’s all about second chances. The 33-year-old served eight-and-a-half years in Parchman, convicted of stealing four 4-wheelers in Rankin County.
The Mississippi Prison Industries Corporation helped him turn his life around, through a program that taught him painting and metal fabrication.
“For two year I was going to work five days a week, and that built up the work ethic that I need for when I got out,” said Boykin.
He is now employed by the Brown Bottling Group.
Boykin was among the panelists at the Dollars & Sense of Second Chance Hiring forum. Experts in government and business from across the state are encouraging companies to hire the formerly incarcerated.
