Does GE Appliances Hire Felons?
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GE Appliances is one of the more approachable large manufacturers for second-chance applicants. Its published Fair Employment Policy delays the background check until after a conditional offer and calls for an individualized assessment.
GE Appliances hires some people with felony records and is generally seen as one of the more approachable large manufacturers for second-chance applicants. Owned by Haier and headquartered at Appliance Park in Louisville, Kentucky, GEA employs more than 14,000 people in the U.S., with major plants in Louisville, KY; Decatur, AL; LaFayette, GA; Selmer, TN; Camden, SC; and Bloomington, IN, building refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. GEA's published Fair Employment Policy delays the criminal background check until after a conditional offer and calls for an individualized assessment consistent with EEOC guidance and fair-chance principles. Employees have reported that people with records are hired regularly for assembly and warehouse jobs. A pre-employment drug screen applies. Assembly and production operator, material handler, and warehouse roles are the most common and accessible openings; violence-, weapons-, or theft-related felonies draw the most scrutiny around heavy machinery and high-value inventory.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly / Production Operator | Case-by-case | Yes — after conditional offer, plus drug screen | Building appliances at Appliance Park and other plants. Primary entry point; employees report ex-offenders are hired. |
| Material Handler / Warehouse | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Distribution and logistics roles. Frequently open and often accessible. |
| Forklift Operator | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Certification often required. Steady demand at plants and distribution centers. |
| Maintenance Technician / Skilled Trades | Case-by-case | Yes — comprehensive check | Electrical and mechanical roles. Trade credentials and a clean recent history help. |
| Call Center / Customer Care | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Louisville-based support roles. Fraud- or theft-related offenses may draw extra scrutiny. |
GE Appliances Hiring Practices
GE Appliances, a Haier company, employs more than 14,000 people in the U.S., anchored by the 750-acre Appliance Park campus in Louisville, Kentucky, plus plants in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Indiana. GEA maintains a published Fair Employment Policy that follows fair-chance principles: the criminal background check happens after a conditional offer, and any record is reviewed through an individualized assessment consistent with EEOC guidance — considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the job. Employee reports describe people with records being hired regularly for assembly and warehouse positions, with some noting multiple ex-offenders in the same orientation. Because factory work involves heavy machinery and high-value inventory, violence-, weapons-, and theft-related felonies receive the closest review.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply through the GE Appliances careers site and target assembly, production, and warehouse openings, which are the most common and accessible entry points. Because the background check comes only after a conditional offer, focus first on landing the offer by presenting a strong, reliable work history and enthusiasm for the role. Be honest about your record and ready to explain what has changed, and make sure you can pass a current drug test. Highlight any manufacturing, warehouse, forklift, or skilled-trade experience. Emphasize dependable attendance and willingness to work rotating shifts. Appliance Park hires in large waves, so apply during posted hiring events and reapply if a first attempt does not land.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply through the GE Appliances careers site and target assembly, production, and warehouse roles.
- 2.Land the conditional offer first — the background check comes afterward under GEA's fair-chance policy.
- 3.Be ready to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
- 4.Be honest about your record and prepared to explain what has changed.
- 5.Highlight manufacturing, warehouse, forklift, or skilled-trade experience.
- 6.Apply during Appliance Park hiring waves and reapply if a first attempt does not land.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does GE Appliances hire felons?
- Yes, GE Appliances hires some people with felony records. Its published Fair Employment Policy uses an individualized assessment after a conditional offer, and employees report ex-offenders being hired regularly for assembly and warehouse jobs.
- Does GE Appliances do background checks?
- Yes. Under GEA's Fair Employment Policy the criminal background check is run after a conditional offer, and any record is reviewed individually consistent with EEOC guidance.
- Does GE Appliances drug test?
- Yes. A pre-employment drug screen applies to its safety-sensitive manufacturing roles, so applicants should be able to pass a current test.
- Where are GE Appliances plants located?
- GEA is headquartered at Appliance Park in Louisville, Kentucky, with additional plants in Decatur, Alabama; LaFayette, Georgia; Selmer, Tennessee; Camden, South Carolina; and Bloomington, Indiana.
- What jobs are easiest to get at GE Appliances with a record?
- Assembly and production operator, material handler, and warehouse roles are the most common and accessible entry points for applicants rebuilding after a conviction.
Take Action — Direct Links
- GE Appliances Careers
Search and apply for open positions across GE Appliances plants and offices.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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