Second-Chance Hiring: How to Restart Your Career in the Trades

The path to a great career isn’t always straight—and it doesn’t have to be.

For individuals who’ve been incarcerated, out of work, or simply overlooked, the skilled trades offer a powerful second chance: the opportunity to build a career with real pay, real dignity, and real future growth.

At Trade Scouts, we believe in removing barriers to opportunity—not adding to them. And we’re not alone.

Last week, we hosted a powerful webinar on second-chance hiring that brought together workforce leaders, employers, and returning citizens who’ve successfully restarted their careers in the trades. The message was clear: when given the chance, people step up.

Here’s what we learned—and how you (or someone you know) can use the trades to build a fresh start.

What Is Second-Chance Hiring?

Second-chance hiring refers to employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records or past barriers to employment.

It’s about giving people an opportunity to prove themselves—not just punishing past mistakes.

In industries like construction, manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance, second-chance hiring isn’t just compassionate—it’s smart business.

Key Takeaways from the Trade Scouts Second-Chance Webinar

Our recent panel featured:

• Shaun Merrell, Executive Director of Trade Scouts
  
• Cedric Harris, Project JumpStart graduate and now full-time electrician
  
• Latisha Adams, Workforce Development Leader at [Partner Organization]
  
• Bryan Thomas, Employer and second-chance hiring advocate
  

Here are some of the biggest insights:

1. Employers Are Ready—They Just Need the Right Support
Many contractors want to give people a shot but need help navigating background checks, insurance questions, or compliance. Platforms like Trade Scouts help screen, support, and connect the right candidates to the right roles.

2. Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Potential
Cedric shared his journey from incarceration to full-time union work, explaining how a pre-apprenticeship program and a mentor gave him the confidence to succeed.

“I knew I was capable—I just needed someone to see it too.”

3. Skill-Building Is the Bridge
Training programs, digital portfolios, and on-the-job support help candidates prove their value and build confidence. A strong foundation in safety, communication, and technical skills makes all the difference.

How to Restart Your Career in the Trades

If you’re ready to reenter the workforce, here’s how to get started:

1. Build a Digital Portfolio
Skip the outdated resume. Instead, showcase:

• Photos of your past work
  
• Certifications or training programs
  
• A short personal intro
  

Platforms like Trade Scouts are built for exactly this.

2. Get Support Through a Pre-Apprenticeship or Training Program
Look for programs like:

• Project JumpStart
  
• YouthBuild
  
• Local workforce centers or reentry nonprofits
  

They’ll help you develop job skills, secure certifications, and connect with employers who believe in second chances.

3. Sign Up With Second-Chance Friendly Employers
Many companies actively seek out returning citizens for construction, warehousing, landscaping, and logistics roles. Trade Scouts helps connect you to vetted opportunities with employers who care about your success.

Why It Matters

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, formerly incarcerated people are unemployed at a rate five times higher than the general population.

But the trades are different: they value what you can do, not just where you’ve been.

Our mission at Trade Scouts is to make hiring more human—and more fair. That means making sure talented, motivated, and overlooked individuals have a place in the workforce.

Take the First Step
Whether you’re looking for your first job, your next chance, or your future career—you’re not alone. And you’re not out of options.

Create your free Trade Scouts profile today and start building the future you deserve.