Transition Program



What is the BCE Transition Program?

The Transition Program through the Bureau of Correction Enterprises (BCE) is a no-cost hiring solution, matching employers to motivated, skilled, and qualified candidates who have worked for BCE while incarcerated.

The Transition Team assists participants with resumes, jobs leads, support and short-term financial assistance for work-related items like tools, clothing, transportation and rent.

Purpose of the Program

Numerous studies focusing on the cycle of recidivism argue that stable employment is a strong indicator of preventing criminal activity, specifically for those who have been incarcerated. With this in mind, the Transition Program is a core initiative to the Bureau of Correctional Enterprises (BCE). It is designed to help our workers capitalize on work experience and skills acquired during incarceration and to aid in finding and maintaining employment post-incarceration.

Population and Eligibility Criteria

The Transition Program is a voluntary program that targets persons in our care who currently or have previously worked for the Bureau of Correctional Enterprises while incarcerated. The Program serves individuals returning to all 72 Wisconsin counties.

History and Funding Source

From its inception as a budget initiative in 1998, the Transition Program has provided information about employment related services and links to thousands of inmates. Transition went 'live' in February 2000 with the release of the first participant from R.E. Ellsworth Correctional Center. At that point, the program was operational on a four-county pilot project basis and functioned in that design until going statewide in the summer of 2001.

Services Provided

After a worker is employed with BCE for 1 month or 6 months (depending on their work location), they are eligible for Transition Program services. Qualified candidates remain participants regardless of employment status, unless they are negatively terminated from their BCE position.

Services provided by the Transition Program include:

  • On-site program orientation
  • Information packets covering reentry information and tools
  • Supplemental funds for employment-related items including rent, tools, clothing, and transportation
  • Targeted job leads in the individual's planned city of release
  • Resume, cover letter, and letter of explanation development
  • References to potential employers
  • One-on-one reentry support and planning
  • Linkages to community support services

Get in Touch

For more information regarding BCE's Transition Program, contact the program coordinators.

Contact BCE Transition

Benefits as an Employer



Our Mission is to provide knowledgeable, skillful and dedicated workers with Wisconsin companies that are seeking dependable and hard working employees. The Transition Program through the Bureau of Correction Enterprises (BCE) is a no-cost hiring solution, matching employers to motivated, skilled, and qualified candidates who have worked for BCE while incarcerated. The Transition Team assists participants with resumes, jobs leads, support and short-term financial assistance for work-related items like tools, clothing, transportation and rent. And we're here to help you and your potential employee every step of the way.


No Cost Hiring

No cost solution to match you to motivated, skilled & qualified candidates. Fidelity Bonds and Tax Credits available.

Skilled & Qualified

BCE workers can gain experience in: logistics & warehousing, wood & metal fabrication, laundry, agriculture, product design, marketing and more.

Dedicated Workers

BCE workers are dependable & punctual with a low turnover rate because they are dedicated professionals that take their second chance seriously.

Positive Results

Stable employment is a strong indicator of preventing criminal activity, especially for those who have already been incarcerated.

Fidelity Bonding Program

The Fidelity Bonding Program offers no cost bonding support to businesses to lower their risk when hiring applicants who have been incarcerated.

Bonding can:

  • Be provided for a person whose background might lead employers to be reluctant to hiring them.
  • Provide FREE insurance against employee theft
  • Be obtained quickly and easily by just a phone call to confirm your hire

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

The WOTC is a special tax credit available to employers hiring former felons (and others) and must occur within one year of their release date. The WOTC is available to any size business and for any type of job. The position can be a full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal position.

Facts about the WOTC tax credit:

  • Tax credit
  • Applies to the first year of employment
  • The new employee must work 120 hours for the employer to receive credit

Get in Touch

For more information regarding BCE's Transition Program, contact the program coordinators.

Contact BCE Transition