Exploring the impact of training on equitable access to employment: A gendered perspective of work release programs

Obtaining job relevant skills while incarcerated is an important component to overcoming the stigma of a criminal history when seeking employment. Using a focus group research design, we explored occupational roles and feelings of preparedness among men and women housed in work release facilities. We found: 1) women perceived their training to be of less value as compared to their male counterparts, 2) women and men perceived differences related to their receipt of employment assistance, 3) women and men differed in explanations of prior work experience, and 4) perceptual differences appeared to be affected by the frequency of incarceration.