Checkr, a background check company, is launching an apprenticeship program called Catalyst to support the hiring and training of workers with criminal records, according to a Nov. 12 announcement. The program, set for a 2025 cohort, will provide 12 months of on-the-job training and mentorship. Checkr plans to fund two apprenticeship cohorts over the next two years.
The initiative builds on Checkr’s years of experience with fair chance hiring, the practice of considering candidates with criminal records, which the company says strengthens businesses, communities, and the economy. After piloting the program in various industries in the past year, Checkr is expanding it to additional employers.
Companies participating in the 2025 cohort will be able to improve or implement fair chance hiring practices, tap into a diverse, often overlooked talent pool, and reduce costs with financial assistance from Checkr. Checkr is collaborating with San Francisco’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development’s TechSF and The Last Mile, which provide career training for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Experts suggest that for successful second-chance hiring, employers should adopt inclusive HR practices, recognize biases, and go beyond traditional background checks. Interviews should emphasize empathy and address potential barriers such as transportation or child care. Research from the University of Albany indicates that direct incentives, like a $2,400 tax credit or insurance against losses, can significantly encourage employers to hire individuals with criminal records.
