Finding a job after facing challenges like incarceration, addiction recovery, or other difficult life transitions isn’t easy—but in the Myrtle Beach area, second chances are possible.
Whether you're rebuilding your life or supporting someone who is, there are programs, employers, and training providers across Horry and Georgetown counties ready to help.
This guide brings together local and regional resources dedicated to helping justice-involved individuals and others with barriers to employment find meaningful work, build confidence, and connect to opportunity.
What to Expect from Second-Chance Employment
Many second-chance jobs are available in industries like construction, hospitality, maintenance, food service, logistics, and healthcare support. These roles often focus on skills that can be learned on the job, with some employers offering training, certification, or mentorship programs.
Second-chance employers understand that past mistakes don’t define your future—they focus instead on your willingness to show up, work hard, and grow. You’ll also find nonprofits, workforce programs, and technical colleges providing extra support through job coaching, resume assistance, skill development, and sometimes even transportation or housing referrals.
How to Approach Your Job Search
Start by being honest about your goals and your story. Many of the programs listed below were created to support people just like you.
Ask about expungement services, training opportunities, or employer partnerships when you apply.
Most importantly, don’t give up. The road may not be easy, but every step you take brings you closer to stability and success.
Myrtle Beach Area Second-Chance Employment Resources
1. Palmetto Goodwill I-CAN Reentry Program
The I-CAN (Individual Career Assessment & Navigation) program offers paid, 12-week job training and hands-on work experience for adults with justice-involved backgrounds, helping them build skills, confidence, and a path to steady employment.
2. SC Works Waccamaw
The regional workforce center provides job search help, resume workshops, training funds, and employer connections, including programs specifically for individuals with barriers to employment.
3. New Directions of Horry County
A nonprofit supporting homeless and at-risk individuals with transitional housing, case management, and job placement support.
Learn more about New Directions →
4. Friendship Place (Georgetown)
Provides individualized employment services, job readiness coaching, and support for those reentering the workforce after incarceration or other setbacks.
5. Horry-Georgetown Technical College Workforce Development
HGTC offers short-term training, certifications, and connections to employers open to second-chance hiring, particularly in trades and healthcare support.
Visit HGTC Workforce Development →
6. SC Department of Employment & Workforce (SCDEW)
A statewide job board and support system that includes training resources, job listings, and referrals to local reentry programs.
Visit SC Works Online Services →
7. Apprenticeship Carolina / readySC
Connects job seekers to on-the-job training and apprenticeships with employers open to developing fresh talent, including justice-involved individuals.
Learn about Apprenticeship Carolina →
8. The Father's House Recovery Ministries
Faith-based recovery and reentry support in Myrtle Beach offering job readiness training and work programs for men overcoming addiction or incarceration.
9 . Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments
Coordinates workforce development efforts across the region and helps fund and promote programs designed to break down employment barriers.
Explore WRCOG Workforce Programs →
10. Expungement and Legal Aid Resources
Clearing or reducing criminal charges can open new doors to employment. While not every offense is eligible, expungement services and legal aid can help remove certain barriers from your record. Local organizations such as SC Legal Services, the Solicitor’s Office Reentry Program, and reentry case managers at SC Works can help determine eligibility and guide you through the process.
