Why having a felony isn't whats keeping felons from getting hired

As a workforce development expert, I am constantly asked what can be done to get returning citizens into the workforce.  The answer is very simple.  "They need in demand skills just like the rest of us."  90% of the returning citizens that I speak with would have a hard time finding a job if they didn't have any background issues, the truth is they are just not qualified. The solution is in comprehensive workforce development model after one of the most successful job training program in the country, the HOPE Project (www.hopepeojectdc.org)  The HOPE Project graduates with background issues are landing positions with great success.  One of the programs most successful graduates is Segfried Smith a 2011 graduates currently enrolled in a CISCO certification program at Prince Georges Community College and a employee of Barrister Global Service Network.  So before we begin to point the finger at employers we should make sure we have done everything possible to prepare our returning citizens for today's high skilled workforce.