From inmate to industry

Walk into the Winnebago County Jail today, and you might be surprised to hear the sound of precision machining tools, not just cell doors. In partnership with Rock Valley College, the Sheriff’s Office offers a computer numerical control (CNC) training program that gives incarcerated individuals the opportunity to learn real job skills, ones they can take straight into the workforce after release.

It’s not about checking a box. It’s about giving people the tools to restart their lives and meet the very real local need for qualified workers in skilled trades.

Bridging the gap
The idea behind the CNC program is simple: If you want people to succeed after incarceration, you have to prepare them before they leave. The program trains participants to design, program, operate, and maintain milling machines; operate lathes; and understand modern manufacturing safety standards. It also offers a week of job readiness training, which focuses on essential workplace skills like communication, professionalism, teamwork, and punctuality to help participants transition successfully into the workforce.

Graduates don’t just walk out with knowledge; they leave with job-ready skills and a renewed sense of purpose.

“It was the first time I felt like someone invested in me. Now I want to prove that it mattered,” a recent program graduate said.

What employers need to know
If your business is looking for dependable, skilled workers, it may be time to think differently about hiring. People coming out of jail or prison often face an uphill battle. But those who complete structured training programs like ours are some of the most motivated candidates you’ll meet. Here are a few tips for employers considering hiring from an inmate job training program:

• Provide mentorship. Assigning a workplace mentor can ease the transition and help build confidence.
• Set clear expectations. Structure and routine help returning citizens adapt quickly.
• See the potential, not just the past. Many of our graduates want the chance to prove themselves and stay on the right track.

Where they excel
Industries like manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades have seen the most success hiring justice-involved individuals. These roles often rely on hands-on skills and real-world problem solving—areas where many of our graduates excel.

“The person we hired from the program was one of our most punctual, hardworking employees. He asked questions, showed up early, and wanted to learn,” a local manufacturing supervisor said.

Incentives that make it easier
For employers, hiring individuals with criminal records isn’t just good citizenship; it can also come with benefits, such as:

• Federal Bonding Program – Provides free insurance to employers who hire at-risk individuals.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) – Offers federal tax credits for hiring individuals from target groups.

Why it matters
When employers are open to second chances, everybody wins. Recidivism goes down. Families are stabilized. Local industries get reliable workers. And people who once felt forgotten get a shot at something better. This program isn’t about lowering the bar. It’s about raising expectations and giving people the training to meet them.

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Rock Valley College, leads innovative correctional programs that reduce recidivism and prepare individuals for successful re-entry into the workforce. For questions about the CNC training program or to connect with job-ready candidates, contact the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.