Can I work in the skilled trades with a felony?

Yes in most cases. Apprenticeships and most trade licenses remain attainable with a record; licensing boards typically review case by case. The trades' labor shortage makes employers notably more open.

What is the Federal Bonding Program?

A U.S. Department of Labor program, delivered through state workforce agencies, that gives employers a free fidelity bond — commonly $5,000 of coverage for six months — when they hire someone with a record, removing the employer's risk at no cost.

Do employers get a tax credit for hiring people with records?

Yes. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit gives employers a federal credit, commonly up to $2,400, for hiring someone within a year of conviction or release.

Second Chance Careers in the Trades | AdultSkilledTrades.com

Why the Trades Are the Realistic Path

Skills over background. Pass the aptitude test, show up, do the work, the trades judge output.
Paid from day one. Registered apprenticeships are jobs, not school: wages start immediately with scheduled raises.
A real shortage. Employers with empty trucks are far more open than the last application you filled out online.
Licensing is usually possible. Most trade licenses are attainable with a record; boards typically review case by case rather than blanket-ban.

Two Federal Programs Every Employer Should Know

The Federal Bonding Program, free insurance for your employer. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and delivered through state workforce agencies, it gives employers a no-cost fidelity bond (commonly $5,000 of coverage for the first six months) when they hire someone with a record. It removes the employer's stated risk at zero cost to them, and you can tell a hiring manager about it yourself. Your state workforce agency or local American Job Center issues it.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Employers can receive a federal tax credit, commonly up to $2,400, for hiring someone within a year of conviction or release. Between bonding and WOTC, hiring you can cost an employer less than hiring anyone else.

Federal Bonding ProgramAsk your American Job Center or state workforce agency; bonding assistance details come from them

WOTC Tax CreditEmployer files through the state workforce agency

Use this in the interview: "The Federal Bonding Program will bond me at no cost to you, and the WOTC gives you a tax credit for hiring me." Employers respond to solved problems.

Your Path Back, Step by Step

1. Start at your American Job Center. They handle WIOA funding, bonding, and referrals in one stop.
2. Pick your trade.
Trade QuizThree minutes to your best-fit trades
3. Get funded training. WIOA prioritizes justice-involved job seekers in many areas.
Funding Eligibility CheckSee what you qualify for before you apply
4. Enter an apprenticeship. Many unions and contractors are formally second-chance friendly.
Apprenticeship DirectoryRegistered programs near you
5. Apply where the shortage is.
Job BoardHelper and apprentice roles nationwide

Trade Quiz Funding Eligibility Apprenticeship Directory Resume Builder

Our community partner Eight24 Solutions works in workforce and corrections training, proof this path is real and organized. Programs like theirs exist in most states; your American Job Center knows the local ones.

Free to join. Built for you. Save your programs and applications in one free account and walk in prepared.

Second Chance Careers in the Trades

Why the Trades Are the Realistic Path

Two Federal Programs Every Employer Should Know

Your Path Back, Step by Step

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