- If you’re interested in this program and you live within our service area, fill out our application form then follow the prompts to schedule a virtual appointment.
- If you’re unable to reserve a virtual appointment or would rather meet with one of our team members in person to begin your application process, we also accept walk-ins at all of our career centers.
Logistics, Inventory & Forklift Training
Goodwill’s free Logistics, Inventory & Forklift training (LIFT) program is designed for people interested in obtaining employment in the warehouse, distribution or fulfillment center industry; and learning how to operate a forklift in a professional setting. In this seven-week, hybrid program, participants will:
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- Learn the importance of supply chains and the flow of goods
- Learn warehouse/distribution/fulfillment center design and operations
- Learn lift truck design, operating design and operating principles
- Learn how to explain key performance metrics, how to calculate them and why they are important
- Learn how to demonstrate safety measures and techniques
- Learn OSHA regulations
- Learn safety measures and techniques, including pre-shift safety inspections and worksite inspections
- Learn how to pick up a load and deliver a load safely
- Learn about warehousing jobs, career paths and the needed skills to succeed
- Meet with industry leaders and discuss careers associated with warehousing
- Complete their resume and be prepared to actively pursue careers associated with warehousing
2024 Training Dates
| Application Period | In-Person Info Session | Virtual Info Session | Orientation | Program Dates |
| February 5 – March 8 | March 13 | March 18 | March 25 | April 2 – May 16 |
| June 3 – July 5 | July 10 | July 15 | July 22 | July 30 – September 12 |
Program Schedule
Goodwill’s free Logistics, Inventory & Forklift training program lasts seven weeks. Class meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, class meets in person; and on Thursdays, class meets virtually. All in-person classes take place at Goodwill’s Gastonia Career Center.
Certification Opportunities
Upon completion of the program and successfully passing the warehouse exam, participants will receive a “Warehouse, Inventory & Logistics“ credential as a Warehouse, Inventory & Logistics Specialist from the National Retail Federation in association with ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management). Participants will also receive a Certificate of Completeion from Goodwill.
Wraparound Services
When you take one of our training programs, you get the added benefit of working with several of our teams to make sure you are fully prepared to take the next step and land a job! These teams are:
- Goodwill University team: offers the training program, and monitors course grades, attendance and other supporting activities.
- Career Navigation team: each participant will be assigned a career navigator who provides ongoing career coaching and employability skills training such as help developing your resume, crafting an elevator pitch, preparing for a job interview and more.
- Employer Engagement team: provides mock interview and employment assistance to all program participants by partnering with employers to facilitate employer-led training, job site tours, hiring events and direct job placements.
