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.