Can Your Loved One Work for UNICOR? What Families Should Know About Federal Prison Jobs

UNICOR - officially Federal Prison Industries (FPI) - is a Bureau of Prisons work program focused on job training. FPI's stated mission is to protect society and reduce crime by preparing incarcerated people for successful reentry through work experience and training. For families, the practical takeaway: UNICOR is meant to be more than just

Many people assume UNICOR runs on taxpayer funding. It doesn't. According to the Bureau of Prisons' program catalog, FPI is completely self-sustaining and doesn't rely on appropriated tax dollars. This won't change your loved one's daily experience, but it helps explain why UNICOR positions are tied to operational needs. Openings depend on what work is available - not necessarily what someone wants to do.

Wondering if your loved one can

• ✓ Ask your loved one whether they’re already on the UNICOR waiting list (and when they were added)
• ✓ Confirm who manages the waiting list at their facility so your loved one knows where to direct questions
• ✓ Have your loved one ask what requirements apply for the specific UNICOR jobs they’re trying to get (requirements can affect whether they’re considered)
• ✓ Keep expectations flexible: waiting times depend on institutional needs, UNICOR requirements, and the size of the waiting list
• ✓ If your loved one’s release date is getting closer, have them ask how that affects their priority on the list and whether any job-share or part-time options exist

Families usually care about UNICOR for one reason: reentry. FPI's mission is to reduce crime by preparing people for successful reentry through job training - that's the lens to keep when discussing it. Skills, work habits, a stronger release plan. That said, participation isn't something you can make happen from the outside, and availability varies by institution. Your most helpful role? Stay grounded. Encourage your loved one to pursue training opportunities, but don't build the whole plan around UNICOR alone.

1. Confirm whether UNICOR is an option where they are - Have your loved one ask their unit team whether UNICOR operates at their facility and what eligibility looks like for the jobs available.
2. Get clarity on the waiting list - Since UNICOR workers are ordinarily hired through waiting lists, ask how someone gets added, how the list is maintained, and what factors affect timing.
3. Focus on reentry value, not just “a job” - Ask what job training is involved and how it supports the reentry goal UNICOR is built around, so your loved one can connect their work experience to post-release employment plans.