News & Insights

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

In recognition of Second Chance Awareness Month, the Manufacturing Institute—the workforce development and education affiliate of the NAM—convened 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’s monthly Solution Series, 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—it’s 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.

• “We started [second] chance hiring because we had more work than we had workers,” said JBM Packaging Leader of Learning and Development Jacqueline Cooley. “We were looking for a way to get people in the door, to keep people [and] to produce the packaging we need.”
• Today, 46% of JBM Packaging’s workforce is second chance hires, and their turnover rate sits at approximately 13–14%—well 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.
• “We’re not focused on just hiring individuals. We’re focused on building a system—having a comprehensive, holistic approach—making sure that we are setting up these individuals for success, because in the long run, when they’re successful, our organization is going to be successful,” 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.
• “I [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,” said Christian.
• To other second chance hires, Christian has the following advice: “Now you’re given a second chance. Show them what you got. Show them what you can do.”

Next steps: The MI offers additional second chance hiring resources on its website, including an employer toolkit. The toolkit outlines the five major steps of building and launching a second chance hiring initiative: Plan, Partner, Equip, Implement and 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 MI’s Solutions Center.
• May’s Solution Series event will feature the ins and outs of planning and delivering a successful MFG Day event that will help inspire the next generation of the manufacturing workforce. Learn more and register here.