It’s hard to get a job post-conviction.
Take2, a social venture aiming to break the cycles of crime and intergenerational poverty, is hoping to make it a little easier.
Take2 provides justice-impacted individuals with the support, resources and opportunities they need to improve their quality of life, focusing on providing a second chance for those within the justice system.
A Take2 participant. Photo/Te Ahipourewa Forbes.
Through the programme ex-prisoners and people with convictions develop technical skills and essential life skills for a smooth reintegration process into society.
Take2 has 40 participants from all across the country and Australia, roughly between the ages of 25-35.
Re: News journalist Te Ahipourewa Forbes spoke to a Take2 participant about his post-conviction journey and how Take2 is helping him towards employment.
John, who is using a fake name due to his conviction, says before getting convicted jobs weren’t something he struggled with. In fact, he was working happily in construction.
Now, post-conviction, he says finding a job is difficult.
After John was convicted, he was on home detention for three months.
He then went on to the Take2 programme, which he has been a part of for more than a month and says he can see the skills will benefit his future.
The programme has also helped him with self-confidence and making connections.
“I’ve gotten through to the interview stage before for jobs but as soon as they find out I have a conviction, they say ‘Oh sorry mate, maybe next time,’ so it’s obviously the conviction that is the problem.”
John says there are people like himself who genuinely want a second chance post-conviction and prison.
“It would be nice if jobs could overlook a conviction or look into it on a deeper level as well as looking at the individual more before saying no.”
John says although this programme is aimed at bettering people's skills and helping them with job opportunities, the programme also helps the participants on a personal level.
“They are really helpful with personal problems. They don’t want you going hungry so we have ‘harvest’ on Thursdays, where we’re fed.”
Take2 came about when its CEO Cameron Smith was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease and decided he wanted to reevaluate his career path.
Cameron Smith. Photo/supplied.
Before his diagnosis, he was working in executive recruitment.
“I realised I had been privileged in many ways and I wanted to give back, I had seen first-hand working in recruitment how a criminal conviction would impact someone's life.
“I invested my life savings, visited similar programs abroad and developed a blueprint for New Zealand's correction sector with support from local companies and the successful pilot Take2 is now expanding its impact with corrections facilities and the community.”
Executive of operations at Take2 Natalie Howard says the programme wants to transform the lives of those impacted by the justice system.
“By providing them with essential technical skills we aim to empower them to secure meaningful employment in the tech sector which not only enhances their lives but also contributes to breaking the cycles of crime and poverty.
“Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging and self-worth among participants helping them build strong connections within the community. Our vision is a future where our graduates not only succeed in their careers but also inspire others by sharing their journeys and mentoring the next generation creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
Natalie says the challenges ex-prisoners face in rejoining the workforce is significant and rooted in societal stigmas surrounding criminal records which often deters employees from hiring them.
“Additionally, time spent imprisoned can lead to gaps in an employment history and a lack of relevant skills which makes it difficult to compete in today's job market.”
To effectively support ex-prisoners in reintegrating into society, several changes need to happen first, she says.
“We must address the stigmas surrounding hiring individuals with criminal records by educating employees about the benefits of employing ex-prisoners.
“It’s crucial to enhance rehabilitation and vocational programs within prisons to better prepare individuals for the workforce upon release. We also need to strengthen post-release support including access to housing, mental health services and job placement assistance to ensure a smoother transition.”
John says Take2 has a whānau vibe.
He says after his conviction he felt ashamed and says he became introverted but Take2 is a safe place he could go and an initiative he looked forward to.
“It’s literally a second chance at life.”
“I think I’m really lucky, I think I’m one of the very few who understands the importance of this course and what it’s providing.”
John says that once he graduates from Take2, he will invest his time in the program to give back.
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