When looking for a job, after a felony conviction, we often find that there are some challenges with employers. While there are federal tax credits, and state tax credits, given to employers who hire felons, most are not aware of the benefits they can get.

To complicate this matter further, there are some states that plan to change the tax credit benefits for hiring felons – often without even alerting employers to the changes.  For example, the state of Illinois has a sponsored bill to take the $1600.00 tax credit and extend it from the current option of one-year post incarceration to a 3-year post incarceration.   Once the bill passes into law (if it passes) then the challenge will be to advise employers of the change.

If you are a person with a felony conviction it is important, as you look for work, to find employers that understand what their tax credit options are and, when they aren’t aware, to educate them accordingly.   While its unfortunate that we have to carry the burden, it is a fact that most employers are ignorant to the benefits of hiring an ex-offender and we must fight to educate society and those that will potentially employ us.

Welding jobs are expected to be on the rise as more and more government contracts are created for city and county infrastructure.  If you are looking for ways in which to find work quickly, then look for welding jobs in your local area.  In researching this type of work, I found there are many technical trade schools that will permit felons to enroll, leading to job placement services and welding work.

In Texas, for example, there is a technical trade school called Community Learning Center (CLC) which collaborates with several organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  This school provides a variety of technical and trade education programs, including welding.  With their 7-week welding school, people with felonies can enroll and complete the program with a certification in welding that will often lead to immediate job placement.  While the school provides some level of job placement services, the companies that collaborate with the school are the best resource for finding work once you are done.

So, if you like to do some level of manual labor, and if you have an interest in working in welding, fabrication, or in any type of pipeline construction work, then consider these types of schools as  quick way to earn a certificate and find job placement.  Understanding the limitations that people with felonies face, these trade schools are tapping into the market and working to help people with disabilities as well as people with felonies find work.  Search for a local trade school in your area, or contact CLC in Texas for more information on their program.

These trade schools are supported by grants, which many people with felonies can also obtain.  So, don’t let cost or time hold you back.  This is a great way to find a new career path!  It can also lead to the development of your own business, doing welding odd jobs for fast cash.