Second-Chance Hiring: Free Forklift Certification for Returning Citizens

Coming home is the hardest job there is.

If you're reading this, you probably already know what we're about to say. Coming home from incarceration with the goal of getting a real job, supporting a family, and never going back is one of the bravest things a person can do. And the system is not always built to help.

A single piece of paper. An OSHA-aligned forklift operator certificate. Opens the door to thousands of warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, and distribution jobs across the country. Many of those jobs pay $22–$30/hour and don't require a four-year degree. They just require that paper.

At OSHA Operator, we believe a $55 fee should never be the thing standing between a returning citizen and an honest paycheck.

The second-chance promise

If you are a returning citizen, formerly incarcerated person, or graduate of a reentry program, we will waive your full admission fee for forklift certification under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(l).

• Same self-paced, OSHA-aligned online training as every paying student
• Same-day digital certificate after you pass
• Wallet card mailed to your address. Free
• Recognized by employers across all 50 states
• No background check required for the fee waiver. Confidential. Your story stays between us.

How to apply

1. Email sales@oshaoperator.com
2. Subject line: Second-Chance Fee Waiver Request
3. Include a brief referral from one of the following:
   • A reentry program or reentry case manager
   • A parole or probation officer
   • A halfway house or transitional housing program
   • A workforce-development nonprofit (Goodwill, Center for Employment Opportunities, Defy Ventures, The Last Mile, etc.)
   • A faith-based reentry ministry
   • An employer who is willing to hire you once you're certified
4. Tell us which forklift class you'd like (we cover Classes 1–6) and which week works for you

We review every request personally. Usually within one business day. Once approved, you can start your self-paced online training immediately at no cost.

For reentry organizations

If you run a reentry program, halfway house, workforce-development nonprofit, or 501(c)(3) serving returning citizens, we'll certify your participants in bulk at no cost. Email us at sales@oshaoperator.com with the subject line Reentry Partnership.

Why we do it

Since day one, we've donated 10% of every dollar of profit to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that help veterans and returning citizens find sustainable employment, housing, and trade certifications. We are 100% American owned and American operated, and we believe in second chances. Because the American workforce is at its strongest when nobody is left behind.

You don't have to explain yourself

We don't need your story unless you want to share it. We don't need to know what happened. We just need to know you're ready to work.

👉 sales@oshaoperator.com · Read our full Give-Back Promise →