Forging a new pathway through employment
For previously incarcerated individuals, the journey to reintegrate into society after release is challenging and uncertain.
The contrast between prison life and life post-release can be jarring. Individuals are given multiple responsibilities, needing to find quick solutions for housing, rehabilitation, transport, education and employment, all while keeping on top of parole appointments and trying to reacclimatise to life outside prison.
Stable employment offers a great opportunity for such individuals to regain confidence and a sense of purpose. It empowers them by letting them make a tangible contribution to industry and economy, provides financial stability to support their lifestyle needs, and lowers their risk of re-offending.
In practice, however, former offenders going through the reintegration journey are often overwhelmed by the financial and psychological pressures of re-establishing their livelihood. With the societal stigma of being a former offender looming over their heads, it’s difficult for them to get a foot in the door with an employer, let alone secure a role.
That is where Reboot Australia comes in. A social enterprise that helps to connect former offenders with prospective employers, Reboot adopts a comprehensive, staged approach to guide, train and support individuals on their journey to employment.
Their all-encompassing programs include inmate education, reintegration guidance, outreach to prospective employers in various industries and providing post-placement support.
A Shared Vision for the Workforce
The partnership between Reboot Australia and SVC Products started from a simple conversation; one which uncovered a shared goal – to fill gaps in the workforce with committed, hardworking individuals.
Through ongoing conversations with the Reboot team, SVC came to understand Reboot’s mission to assist individuals with reintegration, underpinned by their comprehensive system of programs to counsel, train and match candidates with prospective employers.
Seeing a clear alignment with SVC’s own objectives, the next step for SVC was to conduct formal interviews with Reboot candidates. Since then, the ongoing collaboration between Reboot and SVC has seen a number of candidates successfully placed into SVC’s Production team. Two of these individuals are Adam and Abelardo.
Adam and Abelardo’s Story
Adam’s determination to change his pathway in life was evident from his first meeting with SVC. Despite being rejected by countless employers in the 6 months since leaving prison, his hunger to secure a reliable job never abated. He was firmly set on turning his life around, and becoming a provider for his family.
Adam joined the SVC team and was assigned to working with the welding machine, creating wire mesh cages for product reinforcements. He has successfully achieved all set targets and is proving to be a reliable member of the team.
For Abs, his personal motivation for life after release was not only to regain control over his life, but also to repay his mother for her love and sacrifice. He wanted to show her that he was a changed man; a man with responsibilities and clear focus for the future.
Abs’ role at SVC is as a key member of the shutter pit production team, which produces specialty concrete pits for essential infrastructure works. His excellent work ethic has led to further plans for Abs to be upskilled and transitioned into another team in large slab production.
Will Davis, Production Manager at SVC, has been the main liaison with the Reboot team. Overseeing the initial trials of Reboot candidates and the management of their ongoing employment, he now advocates for more companies to give reintegrating individuals a second chance.
“What stood out immediately upon meeting both Adam and Abs was that they both showed a real interest in working. In our labour-intensive working environment, staff turnover is high and we find it difficult to retain labourers.
I’ll never forget the moment when we told Adam he could come in for a trial. His whole face lit up in a big smile; it was a moment that really stayed with me, and it was clear that he really needed this chance.
Both Adam and Abs have a good work ethic, a can-do attitude and willingness to learn. They follow the given directions well, and have made efforts to get along with the rest of the team.”
There are many others like Adam and Abz, who desperately seek a chance to turn their life around. These individuals are not to be defined by their time in prison – they each have their own stories and reasons behind their journey so far.
The collaboration with Reboot has been eye-opening for SVC, shining a light on the importance of reintegrating formerly incarcerated individuals. Given the right support, opportunities and unbiased treatment, former offenders can be guided back to the right path, and be empowered with the chance to contribute positively to society.
