At Second Chance, we believe in the transformative power of sustainable employment. Our Workforce Development program is a cornerstone of this mission, providing rigorous training that equips participants with the skills, values, and habits needed for long-term, stable employment. By integrating technical expertise with personal growth, we help individuals achieve not only a job but a career that inspires dignity and hope.
Our program is designed to elevate participants by increasing their skill levels, employability, and earning potential. By offering entry-level employment to returning citizens or individuals with other barriers to employment, we provide a learning environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. Trainees are guided by seasoned professionals from respected organizations in the building and safety industries, ensuring that our graduates receive the highest quality instruction available.
What We Offer:
Technical Skills Training: Hands-on experience with tools, machinery, and processes relevant to green-collar industries.
Life Skills Development: Instruction in effective communication, financial literacy, stress management, and more.
Safety Certifications: OSHA 10 Certification and specialized training in asbestos and lead recognition, as well as first aid and CPR.
Second Chance partners with highly trained professionals who bring years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to our program. From hands-on technical experience to life skills seminars, they provide invaluable insights that prepare trainees for success in any workplace. By learning from the best, participants gain confidence in their abilities and a foundation for lifelong learning.
Employment at Second Chance is more than a paycheck—it’s a stepping stone to a better life. Having a job has been shown to reduce recidivism, and individuals are less likely to commit crimes when they have stable, full-time employment. One study shows that two years after release, nearly twice as many employed people had avoided rearrest as compared to those who did not find employment. Our job training initiative emphasizes sustainable employment by teaching values and habits that foster long-term success. Our employees learn to:
Cultivate a strong work ethic.
Develop effective decision-making skills.
Build a foundation of reliability and resilience.
By instilling these principles, we help participants create a baseline of good behavior that benefits both their careers and their personal lives.
We offer associate-level positions within our warehousing and retail operations. These roles offer competitive wages and opportunities for advancement. The real reward, however, lies in the intangibles: the dignity of meaningful work, the pride of contributing to a larger mission, and the hope for a brighter future.
Our ultimate goal is to prepare them for professional success, whether they grow with us or move beyond our organization. By providing the tools and support they need to transition to other rewarding opportunities, we ensure that those who start anew at Second Chance can thrive in any workplace.
As employees at Second Chance gain experience, we make sure to emphasize the following three core skill sets:
Life skills training is central to our approach. Through hands-on experience and guided feedback, employees learn:
Communication and leadership.
Time and stress management.
Conflict resolution and financial literacy.
These skills helps individuals navigate both their professional and personal lives with confidence and competence.
Safety is a top priority at Second Chance. As necessary, employees receive instruction based on OSHA standards, ensuring a culture of safety across all operations. Certifications available include:
OSHA 10 for Construction.
Lead and Asbestos Recognition and Safe Removal.
Emergency Medical Services (AED, CPR, and first aid).
Our hands-on training equips participants with the practical skills they need to excel. Highlights include:
Power tool operation and maintenance.
Material recognition and salvaging techniques.
Customer service and sales training in our over 400,000-square-foot retail space.
Second Chance operates as a triple-bottom-line social enterprise, balancing social, environmental, and economic impact. By recycling materials through deconstruction and providing green-collar job training, we’re building a sustainable future for our participants and our planet. Our trainees are immersed in this mission, gaining not only skills but a sense of purpose and responsibility.
The true measure of our program’s success lies in the stories of those who’ve walked through our doors and come out transformed.
These testimonials underscore the life-changing potential of sustainable employment.
At Second Chance, we’re more than a job training center—we’re a community dedicated to rebuilding lives, repurposing materials, and renewing hope. Our program not only equips individuals with the skills they need for today’s workforce but also instills the values and habits that lead to sustainable employment and meaningful careers.
To learn more about our Workforce Development program or to apply, please visit our Employment Opportunities page. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us using the form. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.