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Amazon’s Pilot Program Will Help Seasonal Workers Get a GED for Free

Lisa McGreevy

by Lisa McGreevy

Staff Writer

An Amazon employee talks to a job applicant during a job fair at the Amazon Fulfillment center in Robbinsville Township, N.J.
An Amazon employee talks to a job applicant during a job fair at the Amazon Fulfillment center in Robbinsville Township, N.J. on Aug. 2, 2017. Julio Cortez/AP Photo

Most employers require workers to have a minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent to apply for a job.

Amazon is testing a new program that tosses that prerequisite right out the window.

The company is hiring people without high school diplomas or GEDs to work as warehouse associates in Fort Worth, Texas.

To apply for the job, simply report to the Amazon Fulfillment Center, located at 700 Westport Pkwy. in Fort Worth, anytime Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The job pays $11.50 per hour, and the company will even help workers earn their GED for free.

The company has released few details about this program, so I’ve reached out to Amazon to learn more and I’ll update this post when I know more.

Amazon Warehouse Associate Job

Warehouse Associates work at Amazon Fulfillment Centers pulling and packing customer orders, handling packages and boxes and unloading shipments from trucks. Associates use hand trucks, dollies and carts to move merchandise around the facility.

This is a very active job that requires workers to walk around the facility, climb stairs or stand in one spot for 10 to 12 hours per day. Though the building is climate-controlled, inside temperatures can range anywhere from 60 to 90 degrees.  

Requirements for this job include:

  • Ability to work any shift and overtime as required
  • Ability to lift up to 49 pounds
  • Ability to work on a secure platform at a height of up to 40 feet
  • Willingness to operate a forklift, order picker or other powered industrial truck

Employees receive the following benefits:

  • Health care benefits after 90 days
  • Holiday and overtime pay
  • Paid time off
  • Weekly pay schedule
  • Flexible work schedules for associates who are in school

Check out the job listing for more details about the position.

And if this position is not a fit for you, check out our jobs page on Facebook — we post new opportunities there all the time.

Lisa McGreevy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. She loves telling readers about new job opportunities so look her up on Twitter @lisah if you’ve got a tip to share.