WGN Radio reports: Want to drive a forklift? Here’s how

Chicago high school students are now getting the opportunity to get started in a well-paying job as a forklift driver. In the audio clip above, Olive-Harvey College President, Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, tells WGN’s Steve Alexander that for the first time, a credit course is being offered at its satellite campus in South Chicago, featuring an inaugural dual-credit class for students from George Washington High School. She says the intensive 3.5-day program prepares students to become safe and effective forklift operators, opening doors to higher skilled jobs. She says students are taught foundational theory followed by practical, hands-on forklift training on-site that can immediately unlock jobs in big warehouses like   Amazon, UPS, Coyote Logistics, Walmart, Pepsico and more.

Listen to the new report on WGN Radio 720 by clicking here. 

Hollingsworth adds, “This expansion directly aligns with our mission to create clear, accessible pathways to high-demand careers for students. By offering hands-on training right here in our community, we are equipping young people with the credentials and college credits they need to thrive in Chicago’s transportation, distribution, logistics and manufacturing sectors.” Upon completing the course, students will earn a basic certificate from Olive-Harvey College at no cost to them or their families.

Later this summer, the Forklift Operation program will be open to the general public. This class qualifies as Future Ready(www.ccc.edu/futureready), an initiative that helps eligible Chicagoans prepare for in-demand careers at no cost. For more information call 312-COLLEGE or visit www.ccc.edu.