Workforce Integration
from Prison Program
A comprehensive and systematic approach to supporting justice-involved individuals as they reintegrate into the workforce. Participants move through four tiers, from workshops inside the institution to classroom training, hands-on field placements and long-term apprenticeship mentoring.
From incarceration to employment.
The Workforce Integration from Prison Program is a four-tier employment training and reintegration initiative. It supports people transitioning from incarceration into education, employment, skilled trades training and registered apprenticeship opportunities.
Every participant receives an individualized employment and apprenticeship action plan based on their interests, abilities, barriers, training needs and career goals.
Participants must be referred by a probation or social reintegration agency, show an interest in employment, construction or the skilled trades, and complete an intake interview and needs assessment.
Missing ID, transportation or work clothing does not automatically disqualify anyone. Our team identifies these barriers at intake and helps find support.
Four tiers. One pathway.
Each tier addresses a specific stage of development as participants move from the institution into the community and into work.
Institutional Training
Four workshops that lay the personal, financial and employment foundations for reintegration.
- Mental health awareness
- Life MBA: operating in purpose
- Financial literacy
- Employment sector readiness
Employment Sector In-Class Training
Weekly training focused on construction math, the skilled trades and workplace readiness.
- Grade 10–11 construction mathematics
- Union and apprenticeship test preparation
- Health & safety, including WHMIS
- Résumé, cover letter and interview prep
Field Placement & Hands-On Training
Supervised hands-on training with employers, with weekly check-ins from our team.
- Employer orientation and job-shadowing
- Supervised trade assignments
- Tool and equipment orientation
- Performance coaching and evaluation
Pre-Apprenticeship & Apprenticeship Pathways
Participants are never left without support after training ends.
- Apprenticeship mentoring and registration help
- Employer sponsorship and union applications
- Help accessing tools, PPE and transportation
- Retention support and workplace advocacy
What participants leave with.
- A certificate of program completion
- A final skills and employment-readiness assessment
- An updated résumé
- A record of certifications and completed training
- Employer or instructor feedback
- An individualized employment or apprenticeship transition plan
- Continued access to mentoring and retention support
Lasting change.
Success is measured not only by workshop completion, but by each participant’s sustained transition into employment, pre-apprenticeship training, union pathways or a registered apprenticeship.
We stay in touch weekly during the first month after placement, every two weeks in months two and three, and monthly through month six.
Help open the door.
Referral agencies
Probation officers, parole services and reintegration agencies can refer participants to the program.
Email a referral →Employers & unions
Offer a field placement, mentor a participant or sponsor an apprentice.
Partner with us →Funders & supporters
Help cover tools, PPE, transportation and certifications for participants.
Make a gift →Questions? Email admin@29roots.com or call +1 (437) 776-3427.