Joshua Johnson

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JOSHUA JOHNSON

Driven by a passion for creating opportunity and expanding access to high-quality apprenticeship and workforce pathways, I have dedicated my career to transforming how talent is developed, deployed, and valued in America. After overcoming incarceration early in my life, I turned my second chance into a mission — helping businesses tap into overlooked talent pipelines and designing systems that empower justice-impacted individuals to build meaningful careers. My work blends lived experience with executive leadership, connecting innovation, equity, and impact to create sustainable workforce solutions that change lives and strengthen communities.As a national leader in the workforce and apprenticeship ecosystem, I have spent two decades designing and scaling programs that align with industry demands, improve productivity, and drive business success. I’ve led state and national apprenticeship strategies, advised governors, legislators, and employers on policies that remove systemic barriers, and built cross-sector coalitions that deliver measurable results. At every stage, my focus has remained clear: to connect motivated individuals with forward-thinking employers and to ensure both have the tools, mentorship, and support needed to thrive in a changing economy.In addition to my leadership roles — including serving as Wisconsin’s State Director of Apprenticeship and leading national workforce initiatives at Jobs for the Future — I am the founder of Pardon Me!(PardonMe22.com), a national movement dedicated to amplifying stories of success after incarceration. Through this platform, my podcast, and my speaking engagements, I share my journey of forgiveness and transformation while equipping others to rewrite their own stories. My life’s work is about more than workforce development — it’s about redefining how we see potential, proving that with the right support, second chances don’t just change lives, they power industries, strengthen communities, and shape the future.\"Let’s make the impossible, possible.\"