Training program helps provide path to self-sufficiency
November 28, 2022
Richard Lambert and his L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control) classmates graduate from the 11-week training program on Thursday.
Since September, Richard and his classmates have been working under the guidance of Operations Instructor Joe Cunha to learn how to use major equipment like forklifts, end riders, lift trucks, order pickers and pallet jacks. They train in the warehouse of the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark, and students have the opportunity to receive four certifications – Certified Logistics Associate, Certified Logistics Technician, OSHA-10 and forklift.
Richard is thrilled with his experience. “I thought this was a great opportunity for me to learn a new skill and get a good job with a decent wage,” he says. “[It is] just awesome. I really love it. There are no drawbacks.”
Currently, Richard is living at Sojourner’s Place, a shelter in Wilmington that helps residents on the path to self-sufficency. He has been living there since July 2022.
“[When I arrived] I was at the very bottom, and I am slowly going back up. It’s [L.O.G.I.C.] getting me back up there.”
Thanks to the commitment of his instructors, Joe and Workforce Training Program Coordinator Samuel Dixon, Richard is learning both the skills he needs to navigate a warehouse, but also his day-to-day life.
Samuel provides life skills training to the class each day. The class learns about conflict resolution, self-esteem, financial literacy, team work and more.
“Samuel is a great teacher,” Richard points out. “He has a great mind. You can have a conversation with him. It’s inspiring. It gets me motivated. It gets you in the right frame of mind. It’s good to love yourself and have goals and not get in a negative zone. You can’t help but be in a positive frame of mind with Samuel.”
In addition to life skills, Richard is learning so much about the warehousing/logistics industry. He entered the program with experience in an Amazon warehouse, but never received training on a forklift. “It’s just a whole network, and I like to learn about the process. It’s a neat process. It takes a lot of people to make it work smoothly.”
As Richard looks ahead to graduation on Thursday, he is also planning for his future, including moving out of the shelter to a place of his own.
“My ultimate goal is to be a warehouse manager and manage people. That’s what I used to do,” he says. “I know I have to start somwhere though. My goal is to get a job and find a place to live. I am hoping by July 1, I will have all of that taken care of… that’s the long-term goal.”
With the next training class scheduled to start on January 17 at the Food Bank in Newark, Richard urges others to apply. “You are getting free training, free certification. They provided lunch, uniforms, boots… I couldn’t ask for anytthing more. All you have to do is show up.”
To learn more about the free training program and to apply, click here!
