It was based on a experiment of the British Probation system in the late 1970's that involved juvenile probationers rebuilding wrecked cars. Nova Ancora supplies small manufacturing and service firms with reliable workers who happen to be probationers, and also provides the firms with advice on expanding their businesses. In exchange for hiring and training the young people on probation, the firms are offered tax credits, on the job training allowances, low interest business loans, information about low cost space for expansion, and market research data. Probation officers in each borough identify employment candidates.
Offenders are typically minority males, seventeen to twenty five years old.
They must have no psychiatric or substance abuse problems and must be willing to work. Nova Ancora offers them training in resume writing, interviewing, vocational skills, and reading. Once they are hired, probation officers work with employers to resolve problems that may arise on the job. Nova Ancora has found jobs for probationers in the auto parts, taxi, housing, upholstery, cable TV, and other growth businesses. The program, moreover, helps out of town businesses relocate in the city's blighted areas by working with other agencies to facilitate the moves.