How Union Pacific Railroad’s Second Chance Program builds a loyal workforce

Union Pacific Railroad has proven their commitment to creating a better work environment and to attracting talent from all walks of life.

We sat down with Ken Kuwamura, Senior Manager – Talent Acquisition at Union Pacific Railroad recently to talk about their goals for diversity and inclusion and renowned Second Chance Program, which gives formerly incarcerated individuals a chance to work on the railroad.

Ken discussed his role in fostering strategic partnerships to create a more diverse workforce, noting that Union Pacific has a representation goal of 11% women and 40% people of color within its workforce by 2030. Currently, the industry average of women working in traditional railroad professions such as conductor, engineer and yard personnel lingers around 3%.

Kuwamura emphasized the importance of effective communication and trust between employees and management. “It’s hard when you need to start over every time you hire somebody new, right? So, we work to plant seeds and grow them within the company by providing our employees with the resources they need to succeed and to feel valued,” said Kuwamura.

One reason Union Pacific Railroad employees stick around is easy to identify: it’s a career where you continuously learn new skills.

One of Union Pacific’s boldest initiatives is its Second Chance Program. The program gives formerly incarcerated individuals a chance to start a new career and a new life with a high-paying job at the railroad where they can earn a steady paycheck and support their families. It also is a way to help communities by reducing recidivism and making their community safer.

Overview of Union Pacific Railroad’s Second Chance Program

Union Pacific Railroad’s Second Chance Program is a revolutionary initiative that provides job training, mentorship, and job search assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals who have been historically overlooked in the transportation and logistics industry. This program creates pathways for advancement and promotes a culture of learning within the organization.

Ken said the program has been well received by many second-chance candidates who are thrilled at the prospect of being given a chance to build a career. “They are, very loyal, very hard working. Interested. Proud. Making the phone calls for the offer is still the best part of the job. They put me on speaker so their family members can hear me make the job offer.”

The Second Chance Program at Union Pacific Railroad has made great strides in creating an inclusive work environment for all its employees while providing unique pathways for growth and development within the organization. It’s been incredibly healthy for the community as well, as many people have experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for a friend, family member, or even themselves being turned down for a job after a background check when all they are trying to do is move forward in life. Reducing recidivism, lowering crime rates, and providing hard-working people within the community, with an opportunity to give back and grow is absolutely invaluable for most.

Employee benefits of the Second Chance Program

Union Pacific Railroad’s Second Chance Program provides employees with the chance to optimize their career and make more money than they otherwise would with traditional post-incarceration job opportunities. This program includes job training, mentorship initiatives, and financial aid — offering individuals with limited options the chance to start a new life.

Union Pacific Railroad doesn’t believe that one mistake should define someone, and they have found that when given the opportunity, these employees will thrive time and time again. One employee spotlight tells the story of a mother struggling to provide for her two daughters. She was working as many hours as her beauty shop manager would give her, satisfying the needs of a stylist role she wasn’t licensed for despite getting paid as a cleaner — a fraction of the pay at $300 a week. Eventually, bills caught up to her and she was struggling to feed and clothe her daughters. She started asking friends if they knew of any open positions.

Few leads came in, and then one did that felt too good to be true. She was asked to deliver packages, which she knew had illegal content, but the ability to make more in a day than she could in a month was enticing. She could finally move her kids to a better neighborhood, live closer to their school, and buy them the clothes they desperately needed. There was risk, yes, but what parent wouldn’t take some risk for their kids — especially when there are few other options.

That mother was eventually caught, arrested, and served her time. While incarcerated she worked hard to earn certificates in customer service, basic math and OSHA training, but even so, opportunities were sparse after she was released. That was until her probation officer mentioned Union Pacific Railroad, who offered her a position the day after she interviewed. Her life has changed for the better; all she needed was someone to believe in her.

How the program benefits Union Pacific Railroad

The Second Chance Program has revolutionized the way talent attraction and retention is viewed in the transportation and logistics industry. By providing comprehensive job training, mentorship, and financial aid assistance, this initiative has enabled employees to gain a better understanding of their roles while creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages loyalty. It also fosters diversity at all levels, which leads to higher levels of innovation as well as more creative solutions when tackling challenging tasks or projects. In turn, Union Pacific Railroad’s reputation as a desirable employer for those seeking career opportunities within the industry has been bolstered, resulting in a marked improvement in employee engagement.

Additional resources for those interested in learning more

Those interested in learning more about Union Pacific Railroad’s Second Chance Program can visit their website or download their 2022 We Are One Report.

Looking for a new career? Union Pacific is hiring. Visit up.jobs to learn more.