Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel joined more than 30 business leaders and local legislators at York Container on Feb. 25 for a roundtable discussion hosted by the York County Economic Alliance. With employers struggling to find workers to fill their employment needs, Wetzel implored them to open up to second-chance hiring.
"We have a situation here where you have more jobs than employees," Wetzel said. "There's a bunch of people coming out of prison who deserve a second chance, and one third of all Pennsylvanians have a criminal record. If you're in the hiring business, you're in the second chance business already."
The event began with a tour of York Container's facility, where the family-owned business manufactures boxes to fill packaging needs throughout the mid-Atlantic. Wetzel told his hosts he will never look at a box the same way again after seeing how much work goes into creating and testing the cardboard.
Following the tour was a discussion with local leaders and employers about the workforce needs of the county and the more than 600 reentrants who came to York in 2019. Currently York reentrants hold 321 vocational certifications in HVAC, electrical, plumbing and more.
"A piece of reducing recidivism is giving people a chance," Wetzel said. "I'm not saying opening up for just anybody, but being smart and giving someone a chance."
Employers who have had success with second-chance hiring also spoke, including Jen Strobel from Flagger Force. DOC inmates have the opportunity to learn flagger skills, which has led to nearly 200 reentrants being hired by Flagger Force—including 14 who have received promotions, Strobel said.
Two successful reentrants shared their stories, including one who works for York Container and another who came to York to get away from his hometown and start fresh. He encouraged the business leaders to look beyond stereotypes and give reentrants an opportunity.
"There's a lot of talent behind those prison walls," he said. "Many just want to do better; some don't. It's hard weeding out the bunch, but please try not to go off stereotypes. Try to be like Lady Liberty. She has a blindfold on; she doesn't see, only hears. Try to be like her when hiring."
DOC Workforce Development Specialist Dorenda Hamarlund closed out the event by giving out resources and data to highlight the available employees with skills and training just waiting for an opportunity in York County. Hamarlund has also been featured on the DOC's podcast, Lockup Lowdown, multiple times to discuss her work and how the DOC is preparing inmates to fit the needs of Pennsylvania employers.
"This is not a partisan issue," Wetzel said. "We all want the same thing. We all want to give people the opportunity to work themselves out of poverty and into a better life.
"You have the power to transform lives by just giving people a chance."