Why Investing in Transitional Workers Benefits Your Project and Community

When working on a public works project funded by local, state, or federal money, you’ve probably come across the term “transitional worker.” But what does it actually mean? Why are local hire requirements such a big deal? And how does this benefit you, your project, and your community?

We’re here to break it all down—no legal jargon, no confusing acronyms—just plain English.

What Is a Transitional Worker?

A transitional worker is someone who may have had difficulty getting a job in the past but is ready and willing to work. This includes people who are:

• Formerly incarcerated

• Unhoused or previously unhoused

• Living in areas with high unemployment

• Veterans returning to the workforce

• Youth aging out of foster care

• Individuals lacking formal education or job training

These folks are often overlooked—but with the right opportunity, they can become reliable, hardworking contributors to your team.

Many transitional workers come through Local Hire Programs like Los Angeles’ Local Hire or through tools like LocalHire.us, a platform specifically designed to help employers and job seekers connect on Davis-Bacon and Section 3 jobs.

How Hiring Transitional Workers Helps Your Project

1. You Meet Local Hire Requirements

In cities like Los Angeles, publicly funded projects often come with Local Hire mandates. These rules may require that a certain percentage of your workforce be transitional or local hires.

Failing to meet these goals can lead to:

• Contract delays

• Non-compliance citations

• Financial penalties

• A lower chance of winning future bids

Learn more about prevailing wage and local hiring compliance here.

2. You Can Qualify for Incentives and Tax Credits

Some cities and counties reward contractors who make the effort to hire transitional workers. These benefits may include:

• Bid credits (helps your bid appear more competitive)

• Reduced permit fees

• Workforce training subsidies

• Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC)

If your company is looking to cut costs and stand out on bids, transitional hire goals can help.

3. You Build a Loyal, Trainable Workforce

Many transitional workers are eager for a second chance. When you hire someone who’s had barriers to employment and treat them with respect, you often get:

• High motivation and commitment

• Willingness to learn new skills

• Loyalty to your company and crew

These aren’t just “temporary workers”—they’re potential long-term assets to your business. Plus, by partnering with programs that offer job coaches or support services, you can help them grow while still focusing on your project timeline.

4. You Strengthen Your Local Community

Public funds are supposed to benefit the public. When you hire transitional workers who live in the area, that money stays in the community.

• They shop at local stores.

• They support their families.

• They become role models for others trying to rebuild their lives.

In short, hiring transitional workers is one of the most direct ways to make an impact—without spending more or sacrificing quality.

5. You Improve Project Diversity and Inclusion

Let’s be honest—many industries (especially construction and public works) still struggle with diversity. By working with transitional workers, you create opportunities for people of color, veterans, women, and others who are often left out of the traditional hiring pipeline.

This not only aligns with DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) goals, but it also reflects well on your business and can give your brand a powerful social impact story.

Use LocalHire.us to Simplify the Process

We created LocalHire.us as a dedicated career and compliance platform for employers and job seekers focused on Section 3 and local hire employment efforts.

Here’s how it helps:

• For Employers: Post opportunities, track outreach, and meet Davis-Bacon and Section 3 hiring requirements faster. The platform gives you visibility, helps prove your employment efforts, and drives real, local traffic to your listings.

• For Job Seekers: Find career opportunities tied to your neighborhood and background. Communicate directly with contractors working on projects that benefit your community.

• For Everyone: It’s a one-stop resource to connect, comply, and build stronger hiring practices without jumping through hoops.

Whether you're a general contractor, subcontractor, developer, or agency, LocalHire.us makes the local hire process efficient, compliant, and community-focused.

Real Example: How One Contractor Met Their Goals

A local general contractor in Los Angeles was struggling to meet their Transitional Worker requirement on a city-funded project. They were behind on hours and facing a compliance penalty.

After signing up on LocalHire.us, they were able to post the opportunity and connect with pre-screened transitional workers. Not only did they meet their required hours, but one of the workers was eventually hired full-time—and is now a crew lead.

The result?

• Stayed compliant

• Avoided penalties

• Built a stronger team

• Strengthened their community hiring record

Why This Matters

Hiring transitional workers isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a chance to do meaningful work while still hitting your project goals.

Need Help Navigating Davis-Bacon or Local Hire Requirements?

We’re here to help contractors, developers, and public agencies simplify labor compliance—without the headaches.

Davis Bacon Solutions offers the tools, knowledge, and resources to keep your projects compliant and community-focused.

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