Why Second Chances Matter
Your past doesn't define your future. Your skills do.
KinTrades is a skilled trades hiring platform where workers showcase skills through photos and videos of their actual work — not resumes. We use inclusive hiring practices to serve multiple populations — including veterans, workers from training programs, and second-chance workers rebuilding their careers. This page describes our commitment to second-chance workers as one of those populations.
Millions of people want to work, provide for their families, and rebuild their lives — yet they are rejected before anyone even looks at their skills.
Employment is the #1 factor in successful reentry.
The skilled trades are the #1 industry positioned to create opportunity.
KinTrades brings them together.
When someone is given a second chance, communities strengthen.
Families stabilize.
Futures change.
Why the Trades?
The skilled trades face a workforce crisis: 500,000+ unfilled jobs and growing.
Meanwhile, 70 million Americans with criminal records are shut out before anyone sees their skills.
KinTrades bridges this gap:
- Workers showcase skills through photos and videos—with photos, videos, and real work experience
- Employers transparently post second-chance friendly roles
- Connections happen based on ability, not background
- No platform background checks—you control your story
Skills meet opportunity. Trades get talent. Workers get futures.
How We Do It: Skills First. Context Matters.
KinTrades doesn't conduct background checks. We don't ask about criminal history upfront.
Instead, we let skills speak first:
- Build a profile showcasing certifications, photos, and videos of your work
- Browse jobs clearly marked as "second-chance friendly" by employers
- Apply and let employers contact you directly when they see your talent
- Background conversations (if relevant) happen later—on your terms
You control when and how to share your story. Employers who post second-chance roles have already committed to second-chance hiring.
We comply with EEOC guidance, individualized assessment requirements, and Ban-the-Box standards.
Our Kin Commitment
People deserve more than jobs.
They deserve belonging.
Kin means:
- You're seen.
- You're supported.
- You're not starting over alone.
Benefits for Employers
Second-chance hiring isn't charity — it's good business.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
⚠️ Program Status: WOTC expired December 31, 2025 and is awaiting Congressional reauthorization. Historically, employers received a federal tax credit for hiring individuals from eligible groups, including those who are formerly incarcerated.
per eligible employee depending on category and hours worked — when active
Federal Bonding Program
Currently Active: Free fidelity bonds protect employers from employee dishonesty (theft, fraud) for the first 6 months of employment.
coverage at no cost to employer or employee
How it works →
- Who qualifies: People with criminal records, those in recovery, poor credit history, dishonorable discharge, and others commercial bonding won't cover
- How to access: Contact your local workforce agency or American Job Center—bonds often issued same-day
- Track record: Historically very low claim rates, demonstrating the perceived risk is much higher than actual risk
Additional hiring benefits available through KinTrades:
- On-the-Job Training (WIOA) — 50–75% wage reimbursement during training, up to 26 weeks
- Virginia Customized Job Training — up to 90% training cost offset for small businesses
- MD Hire Our Veterans — state income tax credit for hiring qualified veterans
Additional value for employers:
- Motivated, loyal talent ready to prove themselves
- Lower turnover than traditional hires
- Access to overlooked workers in high-demand trades
How KinTrades Supports You
For Workers
- Skills-first profile with photos and videos showcasing your work
- Connect with employers who transparently welcome second chances
- Direct contact—employers reach you when they see your skills
- You control your story—no platform background checks
For Employers
- Access overlooked talent ready for skilled trade work
- Federal Bonding Program—no-cost fidelity bonds up to $25,000 for eligible hires
- See skills before background—photos, videos, certifications
- Lower turnover—second-chance hires stay longer
Reentry programs: Contact us about partnership opportunities to help your participants showcase skills and connect with second-chance employers.
Our Second-Chance Hiring Principles
We stand on 7 commitments:
- Skills First: Ability before background
- Individualized Assessment: No blanket bans
- Job Relevance Matters: Not everything is relevant
- Time + Rehabilitation Count: Growth is real
- Transparency: Employers identify second-chance friendly roles
- Dignity: No stigma, no judgment
- Sustainable Careers: Not just placements
We build with humanity.
We hire with fairness.
We stand with you.
Join the Second Chance Movement
Whether you're restarting, hiring, or building a program that changes lives,
KinTrades walks with you.
Skills. Opportunity. Community.
Second chances change everything.