Alexandra Blockton
ablockton@lc.edu

Are you tired of your current place of employment? Does it seem as if the bills are piling up, one right after another? You simply don’t have the time to complete a college degree due to personal reasons, but you are willing to go back to school for a certification, which typically will take you eight weeks to complete and two days a week. Then this article here is just for you!

Initially, there is no cost for this program, and it is full days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This class is designed for pass or fail, you will participate and have marvelous attendance. Most of everything is done in class, which is located at Lewis and Clark Scott Bibb Center for Adult Education at 1004 E. Fifth St, Alton, Illinois 62002. Those that pass will have three certifications: Forklift, OSHA 10 (ten hour OSHA Safety), and CPR First Aid Certificate. 

“This program is a wonderful opportunity for people who are interested in transportation, distribution and logistics,” said Rick Marshall Instructor for the program.

Typically, you can have your high school diploma or G.E.D., but, by all means, it is not required. Actually, some students find it necessary to complete their G.E.D. while taking this course. It is an eight week program, and requirements are fairly easy within the paperwork process. Students entering into the program will need to take a TABE Test, which tests basic reading and math skills as well as motivation for career readiness and all centered working in a warehouse environment. The age range requirement is very diverse, starting at 18 years and older. 

“I think it does a very good job of not only preparing students for the workforce, but also pursuing other educational options,” said Kelly Meyer, who is a Pathway Advocate for Adult Education. She has also witnessed the Bridge to Warehousing program be a good preparation for students going to get their CDL License once they have completed this program. However, Mr. Marshall mentioned at times there may be a wait for the CDL program, but it is very popular. If funds are available for the CDL program, students will not have to pay.

Furthermore, you will need to have a desire to work in warehousing. The pay range starts out anywhere from $10 hourly to $17 hourly, according to your place of employment. Currently for the holiday season, Amazon’s starting pay is $17 hourly. Geodis and Amazon are two of the major companies students go for their place of employment. Representatives come on-site to the student’s location and speak with them. The majority of the students who complete the program, if there are openings, go on to work for Geodis. 

Lastly, it would be best to contact Rick Marshal for further information as to when the next classes start up and to get yourself an appointment to register for classes. He can be reached on his cell at 618-920-1677 or email: rmarshal@lc.edu. This program is a lifetime opportunity and highly recommended for individuals who have an excellent desire for working in a warehouse. 

Finally, if transportation seems to be a barrier, MCT, the bus line for Madison County, goes to warehouses, and the day shift is highly recommended for students upon completion of the program.