Hands-on warehouse training offers career pivot opportunity

October 25, 2024

Back in August, when Kristen Zarcadoolas went to a state Department of Labor job fair , she brought some expectations and extensive project management career experience – and awards — in the manufacturing sector. She thought the time might be right to pivot into non-profit communications.

“It was the day before my birthday, my birthday gift to me,” she recalls. “I was going to take advantage of an opportunity to future-proof my career.”

She left the career fair with a flyer promoting the Food Bank of Delaware’s L.O.G.I.C. program, a workforce development training opportunity in the logistics and warehousing fields. Because of her prior experience and skills honed in manufacturing and supply chain management, Kristen gave our program a second thought. She researched, realized she may not be the typical student in the program, considered that she might be “taking someone else’s seat,” then addressed her concerns when she applied.

“I realized it’s probably the road I need to take, extending my knowledge bank,” Kristen said. “I didn’t want to lose the opportunity.”

Now about half-way through the 14-week program, Kristen is not only learning how to operate warehousing equipment, but she’s also emerged as a leader – a guiding force, encouraging and supporting her classmates, notes our Workforce Training Program Director Tonya Norris. “She is a leader in the class because she reaches out to others, mentors, encourages group study. And they see the value in what she says.”

In fact, all of the students in this class passed their Certified Logistics Associate certification exam – a first at our Milford site.

Kristen notes that her interpersonal skills are her strong suit, while learning to operate warehouse equipment isn’t her favorite part of the training. But she recognizes the value of the hands-on experience. “It’s exposing me to a lot of things, and I believe that will help me be a better leader. I can roll up by sleeves, and I can understand what others are doing. That’s what fascinates me,” she said.

It’s all part of her big-picture plan. “My interest is in innovation, to make sure the supply chain is not disrupted. I did a deep dive, and I have a solid plan. I went down the rabbit hole in research: constant improvement. We anticipate and constantly pivot, move on for the betterment of everyone’s lives.”

In addition to her training, Kristen is also interviewing locally for mid-level opportunities in inventory control. “It’s a cultural shift for me, but I’m looking for career stability. I know I’m coming from a different skill set, a different experience. But I’m looking at the big picture. This has been beneficial. We’re encouraging each other in a safe space.”

Kristen and her classmates – as well as those enrolled in a parallel program in Newark – will graduate in December. The next session starts in January. An in-person open house is planned at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at both our sites, and a virtual open house is set for 1 p.m. that day. To learn more and sign up, visit https://www.fbd.org/logic.