Seven students of the pilot class of L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control) graduated this morning at the Food Bank of Delaware’s Newark warehouse.
This first class was made possible thanks to funding from the Delaware Department of Labor’s TRAIN grant.
The graduates include: Jessica Deery, Jessica Elvey, Amber Felts, Tanisha Gibson, Andrea Moore, Buddy Sund, and Terrell Walker.
Certified as a trade school by the Delaware Department of Education, L.O.G.I.C. prepares students for careers in the warehousing/logistics industry. Students trained in the warehouse of the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark and learned to use major equipment like end riders, lift trucks, order pickers and pallet jacks.
All of the graduates have received an OSHA-10 general industry certificate.
“Workforce development is an important part of our mission at the Food Bank of Delaware,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Patricia Beebe. “We are proud of the students’ commitment to this program. Over the past 11 weeks, they have learned the necessary information to gain employment in the warehousing/logistics industry. We look forward to the start of very promising careers for our students.”
Jason Blakenship, Operations Manager for the Walmart Distribution Center, and Al Christman, Retention and Development Manager of the Walmart Distribution Center, provided keynote remarks.
“Don’t squander this opportunity. Take it and run with it,” advised Blakenship. “You will be a great asset to anyone you work for.”
Christman encouraged students to “learn something every day, so you’ll grow and expand your horizons.”
Each graduate had the opportunity to address the audience. Terrell Walker said, “Thank you for the opportunity to learn and grow.”
Amber Felts received the class’ highest GPA award, “It’s been a blessing,” she said.
Other awardees were: Jessica Deery, Most Improved Equipment Operator, and Andrea Moore, Perfect Attendance.
L.O.G.I.C. is part of the Food Bank of Delaware’s workforce development initiative, Delaware Food Works. Its mission is to eliminate food insecurity through workforce development, social entrepreneurship and small business incubation. Social entrepreneurship and small business incubation will coincide with the Food Bank’s move to 222 Lake Drive in Newark in the Spring of 2019.
Applications are currently being accepted for the next L.O.G.I.C. class scheduled to begin Monday, January 7, 2019. Class meets Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Time is spent in both the classroom and warehouse. Students have the opportunity to earn an OSHA-10 general industry certificate, forklift certification, and ServSafe certification. To learn more or to apply, visit www.fbd.org/logic.
Source: Food Bank of Delaware