List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Vermont
Here’s a list of companies known for hiring felons in Vermont, categorized by industry, along with the types of positions they typically offer:
1. Walmart
Walmart is one of the largest employers in Vermont and offers a variety of roles, including cashier, stocker, and customer service associate. The company does conduct background checks, but they are open to hiring individuals with criminal records. They assess candidates on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the offense, its recency, and whether it directly impacts the role applied for. Walmart values reliability and work ethic, making it a popular choice for felons seeking employment.
- Target
Target is another major retailer in Vermont that hires felons. Positions like stock associates, retail assistants, and customer service representatives are common entry-level roles available. While Target performs background checks, their decision to hire focuses more on a candidate’s skills and suitability for the job rather than their past, unless the conviction is directly related to the position.
- FedEx
FedEx is a well-known logistics company with operations in Vermont, and it offers positions such as package handlers, delivery drivers, and warehouse workers. FedEx is open to hiring felons, particularly for physically demanding roles that do not involve significant customer interaction. They are willing to train employees and provide a pathway to higher-paying roles based on performance.
- UPS
UPS frequently hires felons for positions such as warehouse workers, package sorters, and delivery drivers. They often provide seasonal roles that can lead to full-time opportunities. UPS values punctuality and dependability, and their hiring process focuses more on an applicant’s current ability to meet the job’s demands rather than their criminal history.
- McDonald’s
McDonald’s has a reputation for being a felon-friendly employer in Vermont. They offer entry-level roles like crew member, cashier, and kitchen staff. The company places a strong emphasis on work ethic and willingness to learn, providing an opportunity for felons to gain experience and grow within the organization.
- Cabot Creamery
Cabot Creamery, a popular employer in Vermont’s dairy industry, offers production and packaging roles that are suitable for felons. They value community involvement and often hire individuals based on their commitment to contributing to the company rather than their past. Many of their positions involve physical labor and teamwork.
- General Electric (GE)
GE operates in Vermont and provides opportunities for felons in roles such as assemblers and machine operators. The company often offers training programs for new hires, enabling them to learn technical skills. GE evaluates candidates holistically and provides pathways for advancement based on performance and reliability.
- Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza is another felon-friendly company that hires for positions such as delivery drivers, pizza makers, and store associates. Many locations in Vermont are franchise-owned, and hiring policies can vary, but the company as a whole is generally open to giving second chances to individuals with criminal records.
- Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries is committed to second-chance hiring and offers roles like retail associate, donation processor, and warehouse worker. They also provide training and support programs to help felons reintegrate into the workforce and develop new skills. Goodwill’s focus on rehabilitation makes them a reliable option for those with past convictions.
- Casella Construction
Casella Construction is a Vermont-based construction company that hires felons for roles such as laborers, heavy equipment operators, and carpenters. The company values hands-on skills and offers on-the-job training, making it accessible for individuals without prior experience.
- Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is known for its commitment to second chances and hires felons for positions such as sales clerks, warehouse workers, and donation attendants. The organization emphasizes helping individuals rebuild their lives through steady employment and personal development.
- Ryder
Ryder, a transportation and logistics company, hires felons for roles like truck drivers, logistics coordinators, and warehouse workers. Ryder offers training programs for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), making it a great option for those seeking a career in trucking.
- Sodexo
Sodexo operates in Vermont and offers jobs in food service, janitorial roles, and maintenance. They are known for providing opportunities to felons and have positions that allow for flexibility and growth within the company. Their hiring process prioritizes skills and job readiness over criminal history.
- Vermont Teddy Bear
This local employer hires felons for assembly line and quality control roles in their production facilities. Vermont Teddy Bear values a candidate’s ability to work collaboratively and maintain quality standards, making it an option for those looking to start over.
- PC Construction
PC Construction is a Vermont-based company that hires felons for various construction roles, including equipment operators, carpenters, and general laborers. They often provide training opportunities and support employees in gaining the skills needed to excel in the industry.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in Vermont
| Industry | Job Role | Description | Average Salary (Annual) |
|---|
| Skilled Trades | Electrician | Install and maintain electrical systems; requires certification, often achievable post-conviction. | $50,000–$70,000 |
| | Plumber | Work on water systems, pipes, and fixtures; apprenticeships can lead to this career. | $45,000–$65,000 |
| | HVAC Technician | Install and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. | $45,000–$60,000 |
| Truck Driving and Logistics | Commercial Truck Driver | Transport goods across local or regional routes; CDL training programs accept felons. | $50,000–$80,000 |
| | Warehouse Supervisor | Oversee warehouse operations and inventory; often requires experience in logistics. | $40,000–$55,000 |
| Construction | Heavy Equipment Operator | Operate machinery like bulldozers or cranes on construction sites; certifications are available. | $50,000–$70,000 |
| | Project Manager | Manage construction projects; may require prior experience or training. | $60,000–$80,000 |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machinist | Operate and program precision manufacturing equipment; technical training available. | $45,000–$65,000 |
| | Production Supervisor | Oversee production lines in factories; leadership roles may follow experience. | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Technology | IT Support Specialist | Provide technical support for systems and software; training programs like CompTIA are felon-friendly. | $45,000–$65,000 |
| | Web Developer | Design and maintain websites; bootcamps and certifications can open doors in this field. | $50,000–$80,000 |
| Healthcare | Medical Coding Specialist | Manage patient records and billing; certification programs are often accessible. | $40,000–$60,000 |
| | Substance Abuse Counselor | Support others overcoming addiction; personal experience and certification may be advantageous. | $40,000–$55,000 |
| Entrepreneurship | Small Business Owner | Start a business in fields like cleaning, landscaping, or food services. | Varies Widely ($50,000+) |
| | Freelance Tradesperson | Work independently in carpentry, electrical work, or similar trades. | Varies Widely ($50,000+) |
| Sales and Real Estate | Sales Representative | Work in product sales, often commission-based; no degree required. | $50,000–$80,000 |
| | Real Estate Agent | Help clients buy, sell, or rent properties; requires state licensing. | $50,000–$100,000+ |
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in Vermont?
In Vermont, the length of time a background check covers depends on the type of check being performed and the employer’s policies. Here are the main factors influencing how far back a background check goes for employment in Vermont:
- General Criminal Background Checks
- Timeframe: Most standard background checks for employment in Vermont cover the past 7 years.
- Details Included: These checks typically include felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and sometimes arrests (if not restricted by state law).
- Exceptions: Certain jobs, such as those in law enforcement, education, or healthcare, may require checks that cover an applicant’s entire criminal history, regardless of the time passed.
- Credit History Checks
- Timeframe: Credit reports are generally limited to the past 7 years under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). However, bankruptcies may be reported for up to 10 years.
- Relevance in Vermont: Credit checks are less common for most positions unless the role involves financial management or access to sensitive data.
- Driving Record Checks
- Timeframe: Driving records typically go back 3–10 years, depending on the type of offense.
- Details Included: For example, major violations like DUIs may stay on your record for up to 10 years, while minor infractions might only show for 3–5 years.
- Education and Employment Verification
- Timeframe: Education and employment history verifications are not time-restricted. Employers can verify degrees or past employment from any point in time, based on what the applicant provides.
- State-Specific Regulations
Vermont follows federal regulations under the FCRA but does not impose additional statewide restrictions on how far back background checks can go. However:
- Employers must obtain written consent before conducting a background check.
- Information on convictions beyond 7 years is generally not reported unless the position has a salary of $75,000 or more per year (as per the FCRA exemption).
- “Ban the Box” Law
Vermont has a “Ban the Box” law, meaning employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications. This allows applicants with criminal records to demonstrate their qualifications before disclosing past convictions. However, background checks can still occur later in the hiring process.
Conclusion
Vermont offers a range of opportunities for individuals with felony convictions to reenter the workforce and build a new future. Many employers across diverse industries, including retail, food service, logistics, and manufacturing, are open to hiring individuals who have served their time and are ready to contribute. With support from organizations like Goodwill Industries, local businesses, and training programs, felons can access the resources needed to develop new skills, gain work experience, and regain financial independence. Second-chance employment in Vermont not only helps individuals rebuild their lives but also strengthens the community by offering everyone a fair shot at success.
