Felon Friendly Jobs in North Carolina | Second Chance Employment
According to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC), approximately 22,000 individuals were released from prison in 2023. This number includes those who completed their sentences and those granted parole or other forms of supervised release. As of mid-2024, the statistics for the year are still being compiled, but preliminary data suggests a similar number of releases as in 2023.
In 2023, about 10,780 of these released individuals, representing 49%, found employment within a year. This highlights the resilience and determination of many former inmates to rebuild their lives.
For 2024, projections indicate a similar trend, with around 22,000 expected releases and approximately 11,000 likely to secure employment within a year. These figures offer hope, demonstrating that with the right support, formerly incarcerated individuals can find meaningful work and positively contribute to their communities
Now, let’s explore the various felon-friendly job opportunities available in North Carolina, providing a path for those looking to turn their lives around.
Latest Second Employment Chances in North Carolina
Searching for job opportunities that don’t require a background check and living in North Carolina? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in North Carolina.
Residents of Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, High Point, Concord, Asheville, Gastonia, Jacksonville, Chapel Hill, and Burlington or any other city in North Carolina should apply for the background friendly positions mentioned below.
Some of these jobs welcome applicants with no prior experience with felony in NC. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to secure your position and start your new journey today.
Is Hawaii a Felon-Friendly state?
Yes, Hawaii is considered a felon-friendly state. It offers various resources to support individuals with criminal records. The state provides access to free grants for felons. These grants aid in rehabilitation and help felons get back on their feet. In Hawaii, individuals with felony convictions never lose their voting rights, even while incarcerated.
Additionally, Hawaii offers second chance apartments for felons. These apartments provide affordable housing options and a supportive community. These initiatives show Hawaii’s commitment to promoting reintegration and rehabilitation. It is an ideal place for individuals with criminal records to start anew.
Industries & Employers that Hire Offenders
Construction
Construction offers a wealth of opportunities for felons, providing hands-on work that values skill and dedication over background. Many construction companies in North Carolina actively support second chance hiring practices, making this industry a viable path to stable employment and career growth.
Bechtel
A leading global construction company, Bechtel values hard work and offers various roles, making it a great place for individuals rebuilding their lives.
Fluor Corporation
Fluor supports second chances by offering jobs in engineering and construction, focusing on large-scale projects that need a diverse workforce.
Turner Construction
Known for its inclusive hiring, Turner Construction provides numerous opportunities in building and project management.
Kiewit Corporation
Kiewit values dedication and offers roles from general labor to skilled construction work, supporting employees with varied backgrounds.
DPR Construction
DPR’s focus on technical projects creates numerous opportunities for felons looking to start anew in a supportive environment.
Skanska USA
Skanska is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering a range of construction jobs that value experience and commitment.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry in North Carolina is robust, offering various roles in production and assembly. This sector values reliability and skill, providing felons with opportunities to secure stable employment and advance through hard work.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar’s commitment to second chances provides roles in equipment manufacturing, focusing on creating a diverse workplace.
GE Aviation
GE Aviation offers manufacturing jobs in aircraft components, supporting inclusive hiring practices for a strong workforce.
Nucor Steel
Nucor’s inclusive hiring makes it a leader in the steel industry, offering various positions in production and manufacturing.
Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods supports second chances, providing roles in food processing and packaging, essential for its operations.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy’s manufacturing roles in energy production are open to individuals with felony records, supporting their reintegration.
Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods provides jobs in meat processing, focusing on inclusive hiring practices to support community reintegration.
Transportation and Logistics
This industry offers numerous entry-level positions that can lead to long-term careers. Transportation and logistics companies often prioritize dedication and a clean driving record over background checks, making it an accessible field for felons.
UPS
UPS offers jobs as drivers and package handlers, valuing commitment and providing stable employment opportunities.
FedEx
FedEx’s supportive hiring practices make it a good choice for felons seeking roles in logistics and transportation.
Ryder
Ryder provides opportunities in fleet management and logistics, supporting second chance employment for a reliable workforce.
J.B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt hires truck drivers and logistics coordinators, focusing on dedication and a clean driving record.
Schneider National
Schneider offers driving and logistics roles, supporting inclusive hiring practices that welcome diverse backgrounds.
XPO Logistics
XPO provides opportunities in transportation and logistics, known for their supportive hiring policies for felons.
Retail
Retail offers a wide range of job opportunities from entry-level to management positions. The industry values customer service skills and reliability, providing felons with a chance to rebuild their careers and gain valuable experience.
Walmart
Walmart supports second chance hiring, offering roles in stocking, cashiering, and customer service.
Target
Target provides jobs in retail and logistics, welcoming applicants with criminal records to support diverse hiring.
Home Depot
Home Depot’s inclusive hiring practices offer opportunities in retail and customer service, focusing on skills and dedication.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s hires for various positions, supporting second chance employment and valuing hard work.
Dollar General
Dollar General offers numerous roles in their stores and distribution centers, focusing on community reintegration.
TJX Companies
TJX Companies, including Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, provide retail opportunities that support inclusive hiring practices.
Hospitality
The hospitality industry is known for its flexibility and diverse job opportunities, making it a welcoming field for felons. From hotel management to customer service, this sector values a positive attitude and customer-focused skills.
Marriott International
Marriott offers a variety of roles in hospitality, focusing on creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Hilton Worldwide
Hilton provides opportunities in hotel operations and management, supporting individuals with varied backgrounds.
Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt’s commitment to inclusive hiring offers jobs in hospitality and services, welcoming former offenders.
Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels provides roles in hospitality, focusing on creating a diverse workplace and supporting second chances.
Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn hires for various positions in hotel management and operations, committed to inclusive hiring practices.
Best Western
Best Western offers jobs in hospitality, supporting former felons through inclusive hiring policies.
Food Service
Food service provides numerous entry-level jobs and management opportunities, making it accessible for felons. This industry values reliability and a positive work ethic, offering a supportive environment for career growth.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s offers roles in fast food service, providing second chance employment and focusing on skills development.
Burger King
Burger King provides jobs in food service and management, welcoming applicants with criminal records.
Starbucks
Starbucks supports inclusive hiring, offering roles in customer service and store management.
Chipotle
Chipotle hires for positions in food preparation and service, committed to providing opportunities for former felons.
Subway
Subway offers jobs in sandwich preparation and store management, supporting second chance hiring practices.
KFC
KFC provides roles in food service and management, focusing on inclusive hiring and supporting community reintegration.
Customer Service
Customer service roles are widely available and essential in many industries. These positions often focus on communication skills and a positive attitude, making them suitable for felons looking to rebuild their careers.
AT&T
AT&T offers customer service and technical support roles, supporting second chance employment through inclusive hiring.
Verizon
Verizon provides jobs in customer service and sales, welcoming individuals with different backgrounds.
Comcast
Comcast hires for various customer service positions, known for their inclusive hiring practices.
Spectrum
Spectrum offers roles in technical support and customer service, supporting former felons through second chance hiring.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile provides jobs in customer service and sales, committed to inclusive hiring practices.
Dish Network
Dish Network hires for customer service and technical support positions, supporting second chance employment.
Cleaning and Maintenance
This industry offers stable and essential roles that are always in demand. Companies in this sector value reliability and attention to detail, making it a supportive environment for felons.
ABM Industries
ABM hires for various roles in cleaning and facility maintenance, supporting second chance employment through inclusive hiring.
The Budd Group
The Budd Group offers jobs in janitorial services and maintenance, welcoming individuals with felony records.
Jani-King
Jani-King provides opportunities in commercial cleaning, known for their inclusive hiring practices.
ServiceMaster Clean
ServiceMaster Clean hires for various roles in cleaning services, committed to providing second chances.
Merry Maids
Merry Maids offers jobs in residential cleaning, supporting former felons through inclusive hiring practices.
Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer provides roles in carpet cleaning and maintenance, welcoming individuals with different backgrounds.
Warehouse and Distribution
Warehouse and distribution roles are vital in the supply chain and logistics sector. These positions offer steady work and opportunities for advancement, making them accessible for felons looking to build a career.
Amazon
Amazon hires for various roles in their fulfillment centers, known for inclusive hiring practices and supporting second chances.
Walmart Distribution Centers
Walmart offers jobs in their distribution centers, focusing on second chance employment and community reintegration.
Target Distribution Centers
Target provides roles in warehousing and logistics, supporting inclusive hiring practices for individuals with felony records.
UPS Warehousing
UPS hires for warehouse positions, committed to providing stable employment opportunities for former felons.
FedEx Ground
FedEx offers jobs in their ground shipping facilities, known for their supportive hiring policies and second chance employment.
Home Depot Distribution Centers
Home Depot provides roles in warehousing and logistics, welcoming individuals with different backgrounds and supporting inclusive hiring practices.
Healthcare Support
Healthcare support roles are crucial in providing care and services. These positions often focus on reliability and compassion, making them suitable for felons looking to start a new career.
CVS Health
CVS Health offers jobs in pharmacy and retail, supporting inclusive hiring practices for former felons.
Walgreens
Walgreens provides roles in pharmacy and customer service, focusing on second chance employment.
LabCorp
LabCorp hires for healthcare support and logistics positions, welcoming individuals with felony records.
Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics offers jobs in healthcare support and laboratory services, committed to inclusive hiring.
Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius provides roles in dialysis support and healthcare services, welcoming former felons.
DaVita
DaVita hires for positions in healthcare support, focusing on providing second chances and supporting inclusive employment.
Technology and IT Support
The technology sector offers a range of opportunities from IT support to software development. This industry values skills and problem-solving abilities, providing a path for felons to build rewarding careers.
IBM
IBM offers roles in IT support and technology services, supporting second chance employment through inclusive hiring practices.
Dell Technologies
Dell hires for various IT and customer support positions, committed to inclusive hiring practices for individuals with felony records.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
HPE provides jobs in IT support and technology, welcoming individuals with different backgrounds.
Cisco Systems
Cisco offers roles in network support and IT services, known for their supportive hiring policies.
Oracle
Oracle hires for positions in IT and customer support, supporting second chance employment.
Google provides jobs in IT and technical support, welcoming former felons and supporting inclusive hiring practices.
Energy and Utilities
The energy and utilities sector offers various roles in maintenance, production, and customer service. This industry values technical skills and reliability, making it suitable for felons looking to start anew.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy hires for various roles in energy production and maintenance, supporting second chance employment.
Piedmont Natural Gas
Piedmont offers jobs in natural gas distribution and customer service, known for inclusive hiring practices.
Dominion Energy
Dominion provides roles in energy production and logistics, welcoming individuals with felony records.
Progress Energy
Progress Energy hires for positions in energy support and maintenance, committed to providing second chances.
Southern Company
Southern Company offers jobs in energy production and distribution, supporting inclusive hiring practices.
Exelon
Exelon provides roles in utilities and energy services, welcoming former felons and supporting second chance employment.
Telecommunications
The telecommunications industry offers roles in customer service, technical support, and sales. This sector values communication skills and reliability, making it accessible for felons seeking stable employment.
AT&T
AT&T provides jobs in telecommunications and customer service, known for inclusive hiring practices.
Verizon
Verizon hires for various roles in telecommunications and technical support, supporting second chance employment.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers positions in sales and customer service, welcoming individuals with felony records.
Comcast
Comcast provides jobs in telecommunications and customer support, committed to providing second chances.
Spectrum
Spectrum hires for roles in technical support and customer service, supporting former felons through inclusive hiring practices.
Dish Network
Dish Network provides roles in customer service and technical support, known for their supportive hiring policies and second chance employment.
Job Market of North Carolina for Offenders
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina had 267,000 job openings in March 2024, slightly down from 275,000 in February. The unemployment rate held steady at 3.5%, reflecting a stable job market overall.
Employment projections show growth in various industries. The construction sector is expected to grow by 3.8%, while professional and business services are projected to see a 0.2% increase. Although the manufacturing sector might decline by 1.2%, the job market continues to present opportunities.
For individuals with felony records, specific sectors offer more inclusive hiring practices. General labor, transportation, hospitality, and retail industries are known for their supportive policies. Companies like Walmart and Home Depot are examples of employers that often hire former offenders.
North Carolina’s job market is growing and supportive, providing hope and opportunities for all job seekers, including those with past convictions. With ongoing support programs, these individuals can find meaningful employment and reintegrate into society successfully.
Background Check Limits For Felons in North Carolina
In North Carolina, employers can look at an applicant’s full criminal history without time restrictions. While this might sound overwhelming, it’s a reminder of the importance of demonstrating personal growth and readiness for new opportunities. The good news is that many employers are willing to look beyond the past and consider the whole person, especially if they see evidence of rehabilitation and a strong work ethic.
Public Sector Opportunities
North Carolina has adopted “Ban the Box” policies for state jobs, which means public employers cannot ask about your criminal record before the first interview. This policy helps candidates present their skills and qualifications upfront, giving them a fair chance to make a good impression before their criminal history is discussed.
Licensing Boards and Certificates of Relief
For those seeking professional licenses, North Carolina law prevents boards from rejecting applications based solely on a conviction unless it directly relates to the job or involves a violent or sexual offense. A Certificate of Relief can significantly help here, lifting many employment and licensing barriers and demonstrating to employers that you’re committed to turning your life around.
Employer Considerations
Employers are encouraged to follow EEOC guidelines, which advise considering the nature of the job, the nature of the offense, and the time elapsed since the conviction. This balanced approach ensures that you are evaluated on your current merits and potential, rather than solely on your past.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Job Hunting Resources
NCWorks Career Centers
Services: Job search assistance, resume writing, interview preparation, and access to job listings.
Locations: Available throughout North Carolina.
Second Chance Program by Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina
Services: Employment readiness training, job placement assistance, and support services.
Workforce Development Programs
Services: Training programs in various industries, including construction, hospitality, and technology.
Indeed
Search for “felony jobs” or “second chance jobs” in North Carolina. Indeed allows you to filter your search by location and job type.
SimplyHired
Search for “felony friendly employers” in North Carolina. SimplyHired connects job seekers with employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal records.
LifeChangers, Inc.
This organization offers a compilation of resources for felons seeking employment, including financial assistance programs and links to job boards.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a global online marketplace offering tasks and services, starting at $5 per job. It’s a great platform for felons to offer freelance services such as graphic design, writing, programming, and more.
Upwork
Upwork connects freelancers with clients in need of various services, ranging from web development to administrative support. Felons can create profiles, showcase their skills, and bid on projects.
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Services: Free legal services, including help with expungement and understanding employment rights.
North Carolina Justice Center
Services: Legal advocacy and support for individuals with criminal records, including assistance with expungement.
Final Thoughts
In North Carolina, approximately 22,000 individuals were released from prison in 2023, with 49% finding employment within a year. For 2024, projections indicate similar trends, with about 11,000 expected to secure jobs. This demonstrates hope for former inmates reentering the workforce.
North Carolina offers numerous felon-friendly job opportunities across various industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, retail, hospitality, food service, customer service, cleaning, warehouse, and healthcare. Companies like Bechtel, Caterpillar, UPS, Walmart, Marriott, McDonald’s, AT&T, ABM Industries, Amazon, and CVS Health actively support inclusive hiring practices.
Additionally, the state’s “Ban the Box” policies and Certificates of Relief help remove barriers, ensuring a fair evaluation of candidates. Resources like NCWorks Career Centers, Goodwill’s Second Chance Program, and various legal aid services further support felons in their job search and reintegration efforts.
FAQs
In 2023, approximately 22,000 individuals were released from prison in North Carolina, with 49% finding employment within a year. Projections for 2024 indicate similar trends, with about 11,000 expected to secure jobs.
North Carolina offers numerous felon-friendly job opportunities across industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, retail, hospitality, food service, customer service, cleaning, warehouse, and healthcare.
Yes, companies like Bechtel, Caterpillar, UPS, Walmart, Marriott, McDonald’s, AT&T, ABM Industries, Amazon, and CVS Health are known for their inclusive hiring practices.
“Ban the Box” policies help remove barriers by delaying questions about criminal history until later in the hiring process, allowing for a fair evaluation of candidates based on qualifications and skills.
Certificates of Relief in North Carolina are legal documents that help former inmates by removing certain barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities. These certificates provide a level of relief from the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, such as restrictions on occupational licensing and other civil disabilities, improving the chances for successful reintegration into society.
Resources like NCWorks Career Centers, Goodwill’s Second Chance Program, and various legal aid services are available to provide support to individuals with criminal records.
In North Carolina, felons typically have up to 10 days to move out after a court issues an eviction judgment. If a writ of possession is issued, they usually have an additional 5 days before the sheriff enforces the eviction.
Yes, there are various training programs, vocational courses, and initiatives offered by organizations, community colleges, and workforce development agencies in North Carolina to help felons gain new skills and enhance their employability.
Felons in North Carolina can explore educational opportunities through community colleges, vocational schools, online courses, and other educational institutions to enhance their skills, qualifications, and job prospects.
In North Carolina, felons are protected by certain laws that prohibit employment discrimination based solely on their criminal history. Individuals with criminal records may have legal recourse if they experience unfair treatment in the hiring process.
Felons in North Carolina can seek guidance from legal professionals, licensing boards, and relevant authorities to understand the application process, requirements, and potential options for addressing challenges related to professional licensing with a criminal record.
Yes, there are financial assistance programs, job training grants, workforce development initiatives, and support services available in North Carolina to help felons achieve economic stability, financial independence, and long-term success.
Employers in North Carolina can benefit from hiring individuals with criminal records by accessing a diverse talent pool, promoting inclusive hiring practices, and contributing to the successful reintegration of former inmates into the workforce and society.
Community members and organizations in North Carolina can support the reentry and rehabilitation of individuals with criminal records by offering mentorship, educational opportunities, employment resources, social services, and a supportive network to help them successfully reintegrate into society.
