A group of formerly incarcerated New Yorkers has been given the skills to enter the workforce.

Recently, a group of 30 formerly incarcerated men and women graduated from the Osborne Association’s Workforce Training Program.

The program offers weeks of instruction in fields like construction, maintenance and food services, leaving participants ready to start successful careers.

“We get them a lot of certifications to get them employable, to make them employable,” says Sharon Livingston, of the Osborne Association. “We have at least five people who are working prior to graduating. They couldn't even make it here because they're working.”

Livingston was once where the graduates were, just out of jail and out of a job. She says it is what brought her to train with the Osborne Association.

“I kind of fit right in here because I understand what the participants go through coming home. First-handedly. The barriers that they face, internal, external barriers,” says Livingston.

Participants say case managers and employment specialists work with them to help them get the job they want.