WEBVTT 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:26.500 In today's competitive job market, companies are constantly looking for skilled, dedicated, and reliable employees. 00:00:26.501 --> 00:00:34.000 But what if there was an untapped workforce that could bring value, loyalty, and financial benefits to your business? 00:00:34.001 --> 00:00:40.000 One that many employers often overlook—the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 00:00:40.001 --> 00:00:49.000 helps incarcerated individuals prepare for successful re-entry by providing opportunities for education, job skill training, and certifications 00:00:49.001 --> 00:00:55.000 to increase employability. Residents who demonstrate motivation and reliability 00:00:55.001 --> 00:01:00.000 are eligible for employment at Rough Rider Industries in full-time skilled positions. 00:01:00.001 --> 00:01:07.000 These jobs emphasize the essential employability skills, which consist of both technical and soft skill training. 00:01:07.001 --> 00:01:10.500 These are the building blocks for successful long-term employment. 00:01:10.501 --> 00:01:28.000 We’ve got furniture fabrication, metal fabrication, license plates, signs, sewing, upholstery, commissary, sandbag operations, and a separate welding facility at MRCC. 00:01:28.001 --> 00:01:37.000 Each operates as an individual business, but cumulatively they come together as a whole to Rough Riders' bottom line. 00:01:37.001 --> 00:01:49.000 Through coaching and mentorship, employees strengthen essential workplace habits such as dependability, and a strong daily work ethic, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. 00:01:49.001 --> 00:01:58.000 They develop abilities in communication and problem-solving, while honing valuable technical skills using the most current technologies. 00:01:58.001 --> 00:02:15.000 I think you just have to give someone a chance. Many people who come here have never done this before, but once they learn the fundamentals, they can pursue a career path. 00:02:15.001 --> 00:02:29.000 These methods have proven success. 92% of residents who have been enrolled in the Rough Rider Industries program for at least six months during their incarceration successfully reintegrate back into our communities. 00:02:29.001 --> 00:02:40.000 and become contributing members to society. They leave the correctional system with the confidence and ability to find and maintain a career, and become tax-paying citizens. 00:02:42.001 --> 00:02:47.000 Employers who give a candidate a second chance testify to the results. 00:02:47.001 --> 00:02:59.000 85% of HR leaders report that second-chance hires perform the same or better than other employees, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management. 00:02:59.001 --> 00:03:09.000 Employer loyalty is so strong among second-chance hires that companies even see a 13% reduction in turnover with these employees, saving $1,000 a hire per year. 00:03:14.000 --> 00:03:21.000 We at Rough Rider, we aim to get to the root of the individual and help them explore opportunity. 00:03:21.001 --> 00:03:38.000 It gets you thinking about maybe where you came from. Some preconceptions you might have had and it opens your eyes to see that there's people that might be unassuming, that possess a great depth of knowledge, but maybe never had a chance to demonstrate it. 00:03:38.001 --> 00:03:50.000 The federal government backs the facts with employee incentives, during a second chance employee's first six-months of work, the Federal Bonding Program, provides protection against losses free of charge. 00:03:50.001 --> 00:03:58.000 Additionally, 25% of a second-chance employee’s first-year wages may qualify for a tax credit through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. 00:03:58.001 --> 00:04:09.000 So, how do you beging reaching this untapped workforce, review and update your HR policies to remove barriers to recruiting talented justice-involved candidates. 00:04:09.001 --> 00:04:16.000 It’s important to review each qualified candidate’s personal story rather than making assumptions based on conviction. 00:04:16.001 --> 00:04:19.000 The truth is, not all convictions are equal. 00:04:19.001 --> 00:04:27.000 Train your hiring managers to avoid blanket bans, enact fair hiring laws, and enroll in federal incentives. 00:04:27.001 --> 00:04:36.000 Learn more about the employability skills instilled and work with the re-entry program manager to to find qualified candidates. 00:04:36.001 --> 00:04:44.000 Give second-chance job applicants an opportunity and start tapping into the value of the justice-involved workforce today. 00:04:45.001 --> 00:04:58.000 Thirty years ago, I did not know what my out would look like. At Rough Rider, you can pick up a skill, discover yourself and what you're capable of. You will leave here better than when you came in. 00:04:58.001 --> 00:05:05.000 Because one day, we will be your neighbors—and wouldn’t you want us to be better?