Eight students end the summer with new careers in warehousing/logistics

August 31, 2022

The accomplishments of the 13th graduating class of the Food Bank of Delaware’s L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control) program were celebrated this morning.

The graduates are:

• Tanya Bridwell
• Jenell DeShields
• Jamie Masten
• Alaiyah Pipkins
• Justin Poore
• Tyler Roane
• Belinda Smith
• Robert Williams

The class started in June, and students have spent the past 11 weeks learning the ins and outs of the warehousing/logistics industry. They all had the opportunity to earn four certifications – Certified Logistics Associate, Certified Logistics Technician, OSHA-10 and forklift. All of the students successfully earned their OSHA-10 and forklift cerfitications.

Under the instruction of Operations Instructor Joe Cunha, the class learned how to safely maneuver and operate warehouse equipment like fork lifts, pallet jacks, end riders and more.

“Joe is an incredible instructor,” said graduate Jamie Masten. “The entire team has been amazing.”

The students’ training was well-rounded with the addition of life skills like communication, resume writing, interviewing, nutrition and more.

“There is no better time to start a new career,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “So many of you have already landed jobs. Our industry leaders here in Delaware make this partnership work. We can train all we want, but if there isn’t a job on the other end, it doesn’t matter. There are jobs out there, and we have young men and women who are ready to fill them.”

Two students were not able to attend the graduation ceremony because they started new jobs on Monday. Graduates have gained employment at places like Sobieski, Graham Packaging and Snow Joe. Graduate Alaiyah Perkins was offered a position at the Food Bank of Delaware as a Warehouse Associate. The crowd erupted in cheers when Cunha made the announcement.

“I never expected to be in this industry,” said Perkins. “Before I started here, I was thinking of ideas like a charm bracelet business, but one day I was on Facebook at the perfect time. It popped up. I didn’t even read everything completely. I just knew I wanted to sign up… so if the goal doesn’t work out, change the plan.”

City of Milford Mayor, Archie Campbell, provided keynote remarks. Before retiring, he spent most of his career working in the logistics industries for companies like L’Oreal and Johnson and Johnson.

His advice to the graduates, “Keep a positive atttitude and you’ll be fine. We are all required to make the world a better place.”

The graduates were all grateful for the opportunity to participate in the free training program.

“I have no words,” said graduate Tyler Roane. “This was definitely a program I did not see myself doing. It was amazing. I loved it.”

The training program would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors.

Thank you to:

• Barclays
• Capital One
• Comenity
• Delaware Department of Labor
• Discover
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• DuPont
• Highmark Delaware
• TD Bank
• Wells Fargo

The next 11-week L.O.G.I.C. training program at the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark begins on Monday, September 12, and applications for the free program are currently being accepted. Click here to learn more.

Congratulations, Graduates!
(Not Pictured: Tanya Bridwell and Robert Williams)