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Career Scoop: Lifting job seekers to another level

By Crystal Tyler, Computer Instructor

Twice a week, every Monday afternoon and Friday morning, the computer lab at our Berry Road Career Solutions Center transforms! It becomes the home of our forklift training program. Most forklift operators will tell you, “I’ve driven for years and never had to be certified,” and that was the case.  However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require that all forklift operators be certified. Lucky for them Goodwill can provide that certification.

Goodwill’s forklift training program is helpful on two fronts.  First, it helps the clients by giving them a boost of confidence because they are certified. Second, it helps employers by certifying employees for their business. Busy employers no longer have to dedicate time to train their personnel when it can be done by Goodwill.

Our three hour training program focuses on sit-down trucks and teaches the safety points that every forklift operator must know.  The class allows each student hands-on training, giving the benefit of obtaining experience on the equipment, regardless of whether they have operated a forklift in the past so the class is perfect for both the novice and the seasoned professional operator.

Beginning in 2011, we will be offering a new addition to our forklift training, focusing on narrow-aisle (aka reach trucks) equipment.  This training will be offered to those who have previous experience on this type of equipment.

Here at Goodwill our training programs offer more than just knowledge.  They offer the chance at a better life.  Whether it is the ability to find a job, or the ability to move up in the position that you already have, chances are that Goodwill has a training program that can help you do just that.

Do you know someone whose life could be changed if they were to go through one of Goodwill’s training programs?  Let them know Goodwill can help.

3 Comments
  • Maria Clark
    Posted at 11:12h, 16 January Reply

    Learning how to forklift will open up a hole new job field for me…… also more money!

  • Sharon Madison
    Posted at 22:24h, 28 February Reply

    I work with out of school youth seeking employment and wanting the opportunity to better their future. I recently met a young man who has now achieved his high school diploma and actively searching for work. While efforts are being made to engage this young man in going into a trade school or post-secondary school this young man’s priority is to meet his daily basic needs first. I am hopeful the Goodwill’s mission of changing people’s life may consider assisting this young man in going through the Goodwill’s ForkLift Training Program which could in reality change his life by providing technical experience that would be ever so valuable in his future. My name is Sharon Madison and I work for the YMCA of Chattanooga with the Youth Empowered for Success (YES ) program assisting youth with supportive services. Please contact me to discuss partnering in support of this young man’s dream! i can be reached at (423) 693-8259 or at smadison@ymcachattanooga.org.

    Thank you for your consideration.
    Sharon Madison

    • Candace Newson
      Posted at 11:34h, 29 February Reply

      Hi Sharon. Is the young man located in Chattanooga? If so, Goodwill Industries Chattanooga may be a better resource. Please reach out to them here: http://www.goodwillchatt.org/.

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