The University of Arkansas at Hope-Texarkana recently trained students who are enrolled in the Supply Chain Management Program to be certified in forklift operations, according to a press release.
The course was taught by a certified OSHA industry trainer, said Casey Curtis, UAHT communications coordinator. It provides formal classroom instruction with evaluation and practical, hands-on training in accordance with OSHA standards.
Completing both parts of the training results in the issuance of a forklift operator training certification card valid for three years, Curtis said. OSHA requires employers to ensure that every powered industrial truck, or forklift, operator is competent in the machinery's operation.
"This one-day training is a great opportunity for our SCM students to gain an additional credential that will make them employable in the field," said Rachel Parson, UAHT Supply Chain Management instructor and adviser.
Supply Chain Management program graduates will understand the responsibilities of managing goods, from raw materials to the final consumer. Courses are designed to be delivered as hybrid and online courses to meet the needs of working adults. The program prepares students for jobs in fields such as transportation, logistics, retail, consulting, education, energy, manufacturing, warehousing, military, government and more.
"The Interstate 30 corridor in Southwest Arkansas is a key transportation route used to connect businesses located all over the nation. Area employers have expressed a need for employees who understand principles of transportation, logistics and inventory management," Parson said. "Growth in the transportation and manufacturing industries in Miller County alone makes this program vital to the economic health of our area. UAHT's great locations in both Miller and Hempstead counties will provide qualified graduates to fill SCM positions throughout the region."
More than 15,500 people are employed in the trade, transportation and utilities industry in Southwest Arkansas, and the projected 2010-20 industry growth is 5.9 percent. The projected grown in transportation and materials moving occupations for the same period is 4.8 percent, according to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services Discover Arkansas Labor Market information.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Research and Extension 2013 Miller County profile shows employment growth was 8 percent in transportation and 12 percent in manufacturing, both outpacing statewide rates-4 percent and 10.5 percent.
For more information about the SCM program at UAHT, call 870-722-8172 or visit uacch.edu/?page_id=7952.