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Connecting with Workers with a Conviction Record

Hiring Incentives Available to Employers

There are two different incentive programs that employer can participate in when hiring workers with a conviction record.

Fidelity Bonding:

• Federal fidelity bonding is a business insurance policy that protects the employer in case of any loss of money or property due to employee dishonesty.
• Bond coverage is provided for a number of groups including individuals with record of arrest or imprisonment and people who have suffered from addiction and have been rehabilitated through treatment for substance abuse.
• Learn more about Fidelity Bonding.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit:

• The Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program is a federal income tax credit helps people gain on-the-job experience and achieve better employment outcomes.
• The federal tax credit for employers serves as an incentive to hire people in several specific target groups, including workers with a conviction record.
• Learn more about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program.

State and federal programs for employing people with a conviction.

Posting Jobs on Job Center of Wisconsin (JCW)

• There are a variety of programs throughout Wisconsin that help connect employers and workers with a conviction record.
• Those who are within six months of release are able to start their job search and career readiness with assistance at in-facility job labs.
  • The best way to connect is to post your job openings on JobCenterofWisconsin.com.
  • The workers with a conviction record within the facilities can only use JCW to search for jobs.

Connecting Locally

• Workforce Development Boards have grants to fund other programs that are run locally with area partners.
• Connecting with the local business services representative can help you discover what is happening in your region.

Resources for employers

• Visit the Wisconsin Department of Correction's Resources for Employers website to learn more about hiring workers with a conviction record.
• Email the Department of Corrections (DOC) to connect with a re-entry program in your area: DOCReentry@wisconsin.gov.

In-Facility Training

Mobile Job Labs

• There are in-facility training for those who will be released soon. Type of trainings include:
  • Computer numerical control (CNC)
  • Welding
  • Electrical Mechanical
  • Mechatronics
• Reach out to the DOC to learn more about mobile job labs and how to connect to graduate.
  • Visit DOC's Reentry Resources for Employers webpage to learn more.
  • Email DOCReentry@wisconsin.gov to connect.

Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

• Another great way to connect is to participate in Wisconsin Apprenticeship programs. Many facilities are offering Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs that cam upskill workers with a conviction record, so they are ready to start an apprenticeship program once released.
• Pre-apprenticeship programs include:
  • CNC
  • Building Maintenance & Construction
  • Welding
  • Mechatronics
  • Electro-Mechanical
• Connect with our local Apprenticeship Training Representative to find out how you can participate.

Individuals on Release

• A community employer interested in the DOC work release program can contact DOC by emailing DOCReentry@wisconsin.gov. DOC can assist employers with connecting to a participating facility and work release coordinator.
• The Community Corrections Employment Program (CCEP) is a statewide program that helps offenders acquire the skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment in a competitive work environment.
  • Participants are assessed and placed into services based on their level of skill and work readiness.
  • CCEP coordinators work with employers and other community agencies to provide employment opportunities and additional employment related assistance as needed.
• Employers can contact the CCEP coordinator assigned to their region or county to coordinate employment opportunities.
• Work release programs like Huber are also run locally, usually through the county sheriff's office. For information on local contacts operating Huber work release programs in your area please complete the following online form:
  Huber Work Release Program Information Request Form

Employers interested in more information regarding connecting with workers with a conviction record should email DOCReentry@wisconsin.gov or call (888) 258-9966.