Josh and Steven's Success

Man in pink shirt sits in blue chair in front of United Way sign.

Turning Potential into Opportunity: How Goodwill Helps Employees Grow

Goodwill’s mission is to help people transform their potential into opportunity, and employees Josh and Steven are living proof of that.

Both Josh and Steven began their careers at Goodwill as Material Handlers at the Goodwill Distribution Center in downtown Chattanooga. Each had a goal: to advance their skills and open doors to new opportunities.

Steven came to Goodwill with forklift operating experience, but his certification had lapsed. Once he began working at Goodwill, he learned that Goodwill hosts a forklift operator training course at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in Chattanooga.

“I knew I was capable of doing more,” said Josh. “I needed my forklift certification in order to accomplish this.”

“Steven and Josh entered the forklift program facing two very different challenges, yet both were determined to grow,” said Kai, Goodwill Distribution Center/Transportation Manager. “Steven was returning to the workforce and working to rebuild his confidence in operating heavy equipment. Josh had never driven heavy machinery and wanted to gain a new skill. The forklift class helped bridge those gaps. Their success shows how the right training can empower individuals and strengthen career opportunities.”

The Goodwill’s forklift course, in conjunction with Sunbelt Rentals and the Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation, features American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classes 1, 4, and 5 warehouse forklift operator certification and career readiness training.

"Hosting these training events is just one way we contribute to our community and invest in the lives of our coworkers," said Rachel Inman, Vice President of Mission Services. "At Goodwill, we are dedicated to offering resources that support individuals in their job search and future career growth."

“I love working at Goodwill,” said Steven. “I wish I had started working here earlier in my life.”

If you are interested in attending an upcoming forklift operator training course, contact Cornisha Espey at (423) 634-2935 or cornisha.m.espey@tn.gov.

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