Serious question. Let’s say I know some one who had a rough start in life with drugs and arrest but has cleaned themselves up and is willing to start over and work. How would they go about finding a job or getting into a trade?

Drive around in new neighborhoods at 7am, find a crew and the foreman. Work the first month for free, and prove your worth. Be the first one there at 6am, rain or shine. I’ll bet you a dollar a guy like that could learn quickly and get hired on.

Most folks are flat out unwilling to pay their dues and show their worth.

Kinda agree. Get somewhere and prove himself. It's tough at first until you prove yourself but then the only way is up from there. Trust me I was that young man 30 years ago without the arrest. I was on a road to no where and pulled myself up by the boot straps and got it together and now I don't have to worry about a job or my reputation cause I have proven myself. Also get his life straight with God is a huge plus.

Depends. How many years ago was the last incident and what are they wanting to do?

Whats the boys interest and what does he want to do?

I hope no foreman EVER takes anybody up on this. If an 'employee' gets injured on the job it's gonna be Hell to pay when Workers Comp is told that the 'employee' wasn't being paid. Several other legal obstacles in this too. Any company with an HR department would never let this get off the ground.

Right, Wage and Hour people in the Dept. of Labor would have their asses too. Volunteer work is simply not allowed unless it is done through a recognized program. Colleges and universities have established internship programs. I did one and my daughter is doing one now, but no company is going to let someone walk in off the street and start working for free.

He may just have to start at the most entry level paid position with a company, like cleaning up after a construction job and watch, listen and learn and above all else, show up and take some initiative and offer to help with other things as is permitted. A good boss will recognize that and reward it.

Have him go to job fairs, too, if he is able.

Another possibility would be if he is eligible for any type of financial aid, might he be able to go to a trade school and get some proper training in any of the trades (welding, electrician/electronics repair, air conditioning/refrigeration, diesel mechanics to name some)? These are the jobs that are going to be available with so many older folks retiring.

That fellar needs to call me.

Not sure about Autauga county, but in the B'ham area is The Foundry They are an addiction ministry that put guys to work every day and help them work through their addiction. They may have a connection with someone in your area that could hook you up.

The Foundry and Jimmie Hale Mission do some fantastic work and truly help people that want to be helped.