Finding gainful employment for ex-felons is always a top priority. They need to be able to not only ensure their basic needs are being met, but to also be self-sufficient. While some ex-felons may find it easy to get into white collar jobs, others may find that it is easier to get hired in blue collar jobs. For ex-felons who want to work and don’t want to spend a lot of time going to college, it can be the perfect solution.
There are some big differences between white collar jobs and blue collar jobs. White collar jobs are typically those where people work in a suit and tie and spend a lot of their day in an office atmosphere. They may work in offices, hospitals, and other environments where the workers typically have a college education or specialized training.
Blue collar workers, on the other hand, are those who work in jobs that often don’t require a college education. They may require a training program, but they can often be done on the job or by attending a short training program that prepares you for the position. Many blue collar jobs don’t require any type of specialized training at all. Many people find it easier to get blue collar jobs for ex-felons, because they can transition right into them following incarceration.
Types of Blue Collar Jobs for Ex-Felons :::: Not only are blue collar jobs often easier to get into, but they tend to be in abundance. There are also some that pay well, giving ex-felons a way to make a comfortable living and to be self sufficient. Below is a list of blue collar jobs for ex-felons that you may want to consider and research more about.
Truck driving – There are millions of truck driving jobs available around the country. Most of them require a commercial driver’s license (CDL), but that is not difficult to obtain, and ex-felons are eligible to get one. Many truck driving employers are willing to provide the training needed to enter the field, or you can go to a program that offers the training and a pathway toward employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, delivery driving jobs are expected to grow faster than average, and all people need to enter the field is a high school diploma or equivalent.
Manufacturing – There are many jobs in manufacturing around the country and most are open to ex-felons. Some of the jobs include being a machine operator, machinist, welder, shipping and receiving clerk, forklift driver, and more. The jobs are usually available for multiple shifts, giving people the flexibility to be work the one that best suits their needs and lifestyle. To find positions in manufacturing, look at the job postings in your local area online. You can also go to the individual websites of the manufacturing companies that are in your area to see if they have open jobs posted.
Construction – According to the government, there are around 1.5 million jobs in construction in the country. These jobs are typically open to ex-felons and often don’t require any type of training to enter the field. Most will train you on the job. These are physically demanding positions where you will be helping to build homes, buildings, roads, and more. Some people who work in construction operate equipment, dig trenches, clean equipment, etc. There is a variety of work that needs to be done at a construction site. They provide a livable wage and offer on-the-job training. Once you get experience in a position you can earn raises and there is opportunity for moving up into higher positions.
Floor installers – Take one look around and you will see all the work there is in flooring. Every home and building has some type of flooring that has been installed and after so many years it will need to be replaced. There are plenty of jobs in installing flooring, and it’s typically a job that you learn by doing. People who learn floor installation usually start out as a helper on the job, learning the trade along the way, and then move into the installation position. Check your local job boards for flooring installation positions or reach out to flooring companies to see if they have open positions.
Trash collectors – Trash and recycling collector positions are available all around the country. Every city needs people to fill the jobs of collecting the trash and recyclables each week. These positions don’t require any prior education or training. Everything you need to know in order to do the job you will learn as you go along within the company. The government reports that on average, trash and recycling collectors earn around $45,000 per year, and there are over 66,000 positions around the nation. To find a job in trash and recycling collection, contact the company that provides the waste collection services in your area.
Electricians – This is an occupation that pays higher than average, with the median salary being around $60,000 per year. Most states do require that an electrician be licensed, but training to enter the field is often done through apprenticeship. Many electrical companies offer apprenticeship positions, where you essentially get paid to learn the trade alongside a skilled electrician. The apprenticeship can last 4-5 years, but during that time you are still working and getting paid. Once you complete the apprenticeship you would be able to move into a higher position and make more money as an electrician. To find apprenticeships in your area, contact your local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which is a union for those in the profession. To find one near you, click here.
There are many different types of blue collar jobs for ex-felons. You can search online job boards to find a variety of options available. Be sure to ask around in your home town, as well as join any local groups that focus on jobs in your area, such as Facebook job groups. In those groups, people post job openings in your area.
