Forklift Training Empowers the Unemployed

Following the success of a two-day pilot project in 2010, The Salvation Army in Regina continues to maximize opportunities for the unemployed through its forklift training program.

Partnering with Carmichael Outreach and the Regina and District Food Bank, the now 10-day course course provides forklift, skid steer and pallet jack certification. Upon completion, participants have the skills necessary to do a broad range of jobs that include warehouse work, snow removal and landscaping.

“With the opening of Regina’s Global Transportation Hub (a transportation and logistics centre) there was a need for skilled warehouse employees,” says Val Wiks, Community Ministries Worker with The Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army strives to be a transforming influence in this community and the forklift program was a great opportunity for us to restore a sense of dignity to the unemployed and give them hope for a better future.”

In September 2011, 12 more people will take the course. This is the third class offered. The course is designed by The Salvation Army and the training is run by a qualified forklift and WHMIS instructor.

Today approximately three million Canadians live in poverty and each year The Salvation Army serves 1.6 million people across the country with basic needs and makes every effort to restore a sense of dignity to its clients.

The Salvation Army’s Dignity Project
The Salvation Army believes that human dignity is a fundamental right for all. Through the Dignity Project the Army continues to educate the public about the harsh reality of poverty in the 21st century and how they can help.

Poverty is a scourge on society that puts dignity out of reach. But, with your support, dignity for all is possible.