DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is giving parolees and those on probation a new chance at life with the help of a new program.
People with criminal records are being hired by CDOT to work on bridge structures, clear graffiti and trim or remove unwanted vegetation from our state roads.
The program, a partnership between CDOT, the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) and the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) offers men and women transitional employment and full-time jobs, among other services.
“As a public agency, we believe it’s in the community interest to provide opportunities to people who are trying to re-enter the workforce and build a new life from themselves,” said CDOT Division of Maintenance Director Kyle Lester. “We’re always looking for maintenance help and this program is a win-win since it helps us maintain our highways and it helps people who need assistance finding employment.”
This year, CEO officials anticipate preparing more than 150 people in Colorado.
CDOT hopes to renew the program when the pilot ends in January 2018. The program was originally set-up by the Governor’s Office for Community Partnerships in June 2017.
