Logistics/warehouse training program helps student develop skills

November 3, 2021

Aja Hunnings says she enjoys working in the warehouse. She’s worked in warehouses before, but never operated a forklift or other warehouse machinery until coming to the L.O.G.I.C. training program at the Food Bank of Delaware.

Fortunately, her mom discovered the training program thanks to a Facebook Live broadcast of a past graduation ceremony. She encouraged Aja to apply.

Now in week seven of the 11-week Delaware Department of Education-certified training program, Aja and her classmates are working under the guidance of Operations Instructor Joe Cunha to learn how to use major equipment like end riders, lift trucks, order pickers and pallet jacks. The class trains in the warehouse of the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark, and students have the opportunity to become OSHA-10 and forklift certified.

Thanks to the instruction of Joe, Aja is more comfortable using the forklift.

“There are great people [at the Food Bank],” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to learn more things about warehousing.”

In addition to learning the ins and outs of the warehousing/logistics industry, Aja and her classmates are also learning important life skills with Workforce Program Coordinator Diana McDaniel. A life skills curriculum provides instruction on topics like resume writing, interviewing, conflict resolution, financial literacy, goal setting and more.

Aja said the life skills have been very helpful, especially setting goals. “We are learning how to help maintain or follow through on goals,” she explained. For Aja, her goal is to “continue warehouse work and move up.”

The next 11-week L.O.G.I.C. training program at the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark begins on December 6. Applications are currently being accepted for the free program. To learn more, click here.