PASCO, Wash. – According to Columbia Basin College, forklift operators are in high demand in our region, and CBC received a grant to help fill that need. This training at no cost is made possible by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges CDL grant.
A representative at CBC says the college received a CDL grant to allow the community to take the classes for free. In July, it will be getting even more funding from the grant. Billy Getty, an Assistant Professor in CBC’s Automotive Technology Department, said classes like these can make you more desirable to employers.
“Having a license is beneficial for people because now they’ve shown that they’ve been through two portions of the three, and it gives them a step in the door,” Getty said.
CBC said many employers in the area, from warehouses to vineyards, need more employees trained to use a forklift.
Getty said there are three steps to becoming certified, and CBC offers the first two: a classroom lecture and a driving course.
He said that to be wholly certified, you must complete a test from your employer.
Getty said this training could put you ahead of another applicant.
“You’re able to make a better living and support your family,” said Getty. If you’re just getting started in the workforce, it gets you that industry work experience, you know. So instead of going out in an industry and getting $18 an hour, you might start at $22 an hour.”
This class is full. Upcoming courses are posted a month in advance.
CBC is offering two more classes beginning in April for those 18 and over.
