Indianapolis Construction Program Offers Second Chance to Ex-Offenders

In Indianapolis, individuals seeking a fresh start after incarceration are finding new purpose through a unique construction training initiative. The Build Yourself program, run by Public Advocates in Community re-Entry (PACE), is helping those with criminal records gain valuable skills and employment opportunities through hands-on training in the construction industry.

Participants commit to a four-week, full-time course, where they learn essential trade skills including blueprint reading, construction mathematics, and framing techniques. Beyond technical training, the program equips them with industry-recognized credentials and access to job placement support, helping them secure sustainable employment.

“The clients we deal with are 100% criminal justice involved,” said Rance Hicks, employer engagement coordinator at PACE. “Felonies do not define your future.”

Eligibility for the program includes those with a felony conviction in the past seven years, a pending felony, or multiple misdemeanors. Hicks emphasized that the program targets individuals navigating poverty and reentry, offering them the tools to change their trajectory.

As automation grows across various industries, PACE has adapted its training to align with job market demand.

“We’ve noticed that the industry is becoming more automated in the factories,” Hicks explained. “So, we’ve pivoted here to the construction model because those jobs aren’t going anywhere.”

In addition to classroom and on-site training, participants also collaborate with Servants at Work, a nonprofit that builds accessibility ramps for individuals with disabilities. This partnership offers real-world experience while also providing an income during the training period.

The Build Yourself program is entirely free to participants and will continue until August 29, with more sessions planned for later in the year. For many, it represents more than just training — it’s a pathway to transformation and a future filled with possibility.

“Our partnership with organizations like Servants at Work not only builds practical skills but also builds confidence and purpose,” said Hicks.

The program is part of a broader effort in Indianapolis to reduce recidivism, address labor shortages in construction, and create more equitable economic opportunities for all.

As construction remains one of the most resilient and accessible industries, programs like Build Yourself are helping bridge the gap between the justice system and the job site — one nail and board at a time.

Originally reported by Reyna Revelle in Wish TV.