Skip to main content

For Employers

Image of two prisoners meeting with an employer

For Employers

Employers

The Department’s Employment and Opportunities (EOU) unit can help employers find candidates with a wide variety of skill and training, including training in skilled trades for several high demand occupations. There are also incentives available to employers that hire justice-involved individuals, including the Fidelity Bonding program which provides coverage against theft, larceny, forgery and embezzlement for the first 6 months of employment, free of charge and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit which provides eligible employers with a federal tax credit based on the eligibility of the employee. Please note, the EOU can only work with prospective employment candidates that are currently under the jurisdiction of the MDOC. Individuals who are not under the jurisdiction of the MDOC, but have a felony record, should seek assistance from their local MichiganWorks! or other community employment agencies.

If you are an employer or training school that is interested in partnering with us, please reach out to Offender Success at 517-241-7904 for more information.
 

Workforce Development Packets

Employment counselors at the facility create workforce development referral packets for each prisoner when they enter the program. The packet contains records of any national, state or local certifications earned and information on skills obtained during their training at the facility, along with copies of vital documents. A certificate of employability is also included in the packet for qualified prisoners.

Packets are presented to offenders upon release and electronic copies are also available upon request through the MDOC Education Office.

 

Certificate of Employability

The certificate of employability provides returning offenders with documents that will help them secure employment.

These certificates also help protect employers who hire former prisoners from some lawsuits filed in relation to hiring someone returning to the community.

The hope is that these documents will help remove the stigma associated with hiring these citizens and eliminate the risk for employers.

Prisoners are eligible for the certificate of employability if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of a career and technical education course
  • Have no Class I misconducts (formerly Major Misconducts) during the two years immediately preceding release,
  • Have no more than three Class II misconducts (formerly Minor Misconducts) during the two years immediately preceding release
  • Score a silver level or better on the WorkKeys test

Digital Learning

Digital Learning is a comprehensive class designed to help students succeed with navigation of the digital world related to educational, employment, or other pro-social goals. This instructor led class equips students with skills needed in the modern digital age and covers topics such as digital literacy, financial literacy, computer training, soft skill development, job-seeking, resume building, and other critical skills. Additionally, this program offers resources specific to the individual’s needs and pro-social aspirations. As part of the curriculum, students earn the TOSA digital literacy credential, which measures digital competencies, as well as other certifications.

WIN

Work Readiness Eligible students will be able to take the WIN Work Readiness tests. WIN Learning offers a career readiness solution that prepares learners and job seekers with foundational academic skills and essential employability skills to promote reentry into the workforce and a continued path to career success. The Work Readiness Credentials earned are endorsed by the National Work Readiness Council, a nonprofit career readiness advocacy group established by the US Chamber of Commerce in 2006.

For contact regrading educational programs, I would like to see the Education Mainline number listed 517-241-4655. Education staff from GVP monitor this line and can answer or direct questions appropriately as needed.

First page of the vocational village infographic

Vocational Village - Know the Facts!

Photo of Governor Whitmer speaking to the audience.