Wednesday job fair aims to help those with a criminal history

A job fair for people with a criminal history will be held Wednesday at the Dutch Square Mall.

The S.C. Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and SC Works are among several state and federal agencies playing host to the event to help those with a prior criminal history secure a job.

“This is a great way for people having a hard time finding a job because they have a conviction, or have been out of the work force for whatever reason, to meet employers willing to consider them,” said George Whitehead, a program coordinator for the state’s parole agency, in a news release.

The event will include area employers and other organizations that will also feature workshops on how to seek an expungement or a pardon for their convictions. Job seekers are required to wear professional attire.

In October, former Gov. Nikki Haley urged for businesses to hire nonviolent prisoners near and after their release to help them reintegrate with society.