Wyoming Secured $2 Million for Workforce Reentry Program
Local businesses can access new incentives by hiring formerly incarcerated workers through the state's RESTART initiative.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Jobs — General
Live Poll
Do you support using state funds to provide job training for people reentering the workforce?
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $2 million grant to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services to launch the RESTART program in January 2027. This initiative aims to prepare adults 25 and older for skilled trades, helping the state fill a projected 28,000 new jobs by 2034.
Why it matters
The program addresses a looming labor shortage in Wyoming by providing a structured pipeline for formerly incarcerated individuals to gain skills in high-demand fields. By connecting employers with these workers, the state aims to boost workforce participation while simultaneously reducing recidivism.
The $2 million federal grant funds the RESTART initiative, which supports a future workforce needing to fill 28,000 projected jobs by 2034. The program provides 12 months of follow-up services for participants age 25 and older.
The players
Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
The state agency responsible for managing labor market programs, workforce development grants, and employment initiatives.
U.S. Department of Labor
The federal executive department tasked with setting labor standards, administering workforce grants, and overseeing employment regulations.
The details
Participants access training before release via virtual modules and receive ongoing support through Wyoming Workforce Centers after reentering the community. For employers, the program offers operational support including wage subsidies, the Federal Bonding Program, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. These incentives are designed to lower the barrier for businesses hiring staff for skilled trades, manufacturing, and registered apprenticeships.
Timeline
The RESTART program is scheduled to kick off in January 2027.
Wyoming projects the addition of 28,000 jobs by 2034.
Market Landscape
This program aligns with the broader nationwide trend of utilizing the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to incentivize the hiring of labor-pool groups that have historically faced significant barriers to entry. It follows the pattern of state-led workforce development programs that aim to mitigate projected labor shortages through structured public-private partnerships.
Business owners in skilled trades and manufacturing should monitor the program's January 2027 rollout to evaluate how available wage subsidies might offset their recruitment costs. Managers should also consult with their accountants to determine if their operations qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit when hiring participants.
The takeaway
The RESTART program provides a specific mechanism for businesses to access a new labor pool through federal subsidies and training support. Operators should track the program's progress to identify potential gaps in their current recruitment strategy and evaluate the cost-benefits of onboarding participants when the program begins in 2027.
Further reading
For more information on state labor initiatives, see the Jobs — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wyoming Public Media.
Live Poll
Do you support using state funds to provide job training for people reentering the workforce?
