The Private Industry Council and Project with Industry provide similar services in other cities. Look for each of these in the phone book. The popularity of using workers supplied by temporary agencies is expected to continue to increase for some time to come. Ex-prisoners may find it easier to get a position through one of these agencies than through the traditional application process. In general, the temporary agency takes your application and interviews you.
Companies call the agency and ask for a certain number of workers to do a certain job.
The temporary agency selects qualified workers, and the company generally automatically accepts them. Although these jobs are not guaranteed, permanent positions, some people get hired into permanent positions after proving their abilities. It's a good idea to contact all of your local unions to see which offer such programs and how you can become eligible. In most such programs, you work and earn money throughout the apprenticeship, although you may have to buy your own tools and supplies. There is also usually at least one sliding fee scale treatment program for alcohol and other drugs.