In 2021, amidst Australia's full employment conditions, Kilic Engineering faced a challenging recruitment landscape. Like many businesses, they encountered candidates who seemed more interested in ticking boxes for unemployment benefits than genuine employment. Some new hires left shortly after starting, while others engaged in misconduct. It was a frustrating time that led to an unexpected revelation.
Craig, the General Manager at Kilic Engineering, had a thought-provoking realisation. While dealing with problematic candidates who "literally should be in jail," he wondered about those actually coming out of jail. Could this overlooked talent pool offer a solution to their staffing challenges?
This moment of inspiration led to a partnership with the Department of Corrections and WorkSkill, resulting in an innovative hiring program that would change lives - both for the ex-offenders and the company itself.
Breaking Down Barriers
The process wasn't simple. The first hire required court approval, specific time restrictions, and careful navigation of various regulations. WorkSkill proved invaluable in helping the company manage the administrative complexities of hiring someone still technically in custody.
But the results? Remarkable. Their first hire proved to be not just a capable worker, but a personable young man who integrated well with the team. He used the stability of employment at Kilic to rebuild his life, finding accommodation, improving his skills, and eventually moving on to another position in the industry - exactly the kind of success story the program hoped to achieve.
Beyond the First Success
What started as a solution to a staffing challenge has evolved into a sustainable hiring practice. Today, Kilic Engineering employs three ex-offenders across various positions, from trade assistants to qualified tradespeople. The company maintains its rigorous recruitment standards - each candidate goes through the same thorough evaluation process as any other applicant.
The Hidden Benefits
The program's impact extends beyond solving staffing needs. It provides ex-offenders with two critical elements for successful reintegration: stable employment and a supportive community. The workplace becomes a space where they can relearn social skills and build meaningful relationships - aspects of life that operate differently in the prison system.
The existing staff's response has been overwhelmingly positive. The program has opened hearts and minds, challenging preconceptions about ex-offenders and creating an inclusive community where second chances are not just given but embraced.
Navigating Ongoing Challenges
The reality of second-chance hiring isn't without its challenges. Ex-offenders often struggle to secure housing, with many landlords rejecting applications after a simple Google search reveals their past. Kilic Engineering supports these efforts by providing references and whatever assistance they can, recognising that stable housing is as crucial as stable employment for successful reintegration.
A Model for Others
This initiative demonstrates how businesses can turn challenges into opportunities while making a meaningful social impact. It's a reminder that sometimes the best solutions come from thinking differently about our problems and being willing to give people a second chance.
The success at Kilic Engineering raises an important question about our society's approach to rehabilitation. If incarceration is meant to reform and prepare individuals for reintegration into society, shouldn't we be more willing to support that reintegration through meaningful employment opportunities?
As Craig notes, without the pressures of full employment, they might never have considered this approach. Yet the program's success has proven that necessity can indeed be the mother of invention - and sometimes, that invention can transform lives.
Looking Forward
The story of Kilic Engineering shows that second-chance hiring isn't just about giving people opportunities - it's about creating a win-win situation where businesses gain valuable employees while helping to rebuild lives. It's a powerful reminder that good business practices and social responsibility can go hand in hand, creating stronger communities in the process.
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