Workforce Happenings

A hiring event aimed to make second chance hiring a part of corporate culture. West AlabamaWorks! has employers who are looking to hire qualified men and women who have a criminal history and need a second chance at employment. The Tuscaloosa DA’s office in collaboration with many community partners and West AlabamaWorks! will host a hiring event, August 30^th at the McDonald Hughes Center from 2pm to 6pm.

“A good job is key to one’s dignity and self-worth.  Our whole community benefits when everyone has an opportunity to work and to provide for themselves and their family.  We are grateful for the relationships that make this possible,” said District Attorney of The Sixth Circuit of Alabama, Hays Webb.

The event aims to connect second-chance candidates or those with a criminal background who are looking for jobs with positions in the West Alabama region. No experience is required to attend or apply to jobs, and some interviews will be conducted on site. This event is designed to assist those individuals seize the second chance for a promising career, however it is also open to anyone looking for work.

One-in-four Americans currently possess a criminal record. Without second chance opportunities, many in this sizable talent pool are excluded from the workforce, needlessly leaving them on the sidelines as employers search for candidates who can fill skills gaps.

“Partnering with the DA’s office enables industry to grow the workforce while closing the opportunity gap. Through hiring and outreach events we’re maximizing the opportunity to navigate second chance hiring,” said Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama COO and West AlabamaWorks! Executive Director Donny Jones. “So many times, individuals with a criminal record or checkered past will not have the best opportunities for high wage and high earning jobs. We are turning the tables on that with this inaugural hiring event giving all citizens an opportunity to equal employment opportunities,” said Jones.

Those attending the hiring event on August 30th will complete their profile in our Career Connect system by visiting westalabamajobs.com. After the event, follow-up interviews may continue to take place for several days depending on the number of registrants and resumes received.

For companies or service providers still looking to take part in the event can fill out this form to participate: Company Registration August 30th .

For more information contact Kimberly Brackner at (205) 349-1252 or via email, kbrackner@tuscco.com