LIFT the TriState Celebrates its 15th Graduating Class

Published on Dec 13, 2021

Eight participants graduated from the 15th class of LIFT the TriState Friday, December 10 at the Freestore Foodbank.

Over the past 10 weeks, LIFT the TriState participants have received hands-on training from experienced warehouse personnel at Freestore Foodbank, specialized coursework designed by Gateway Community & Technical College, as well as links to local employment through BelFlex Staffing Network and other program partners.

Specific topics the program focuses on include the global supply chain and logistics environment, safety, quality concepts, warehouse management, powered industrial equipment, and contexts involving food and hazardous materials.

Participants receive training on campus at Gateway’s Transportation Technology Center every morning and travel to the Freestore Foodbank’s Northern Kentucky Distribution Center every afternoon for hands-on training.  Additionally, students tour local distribution and logistics companies to gain exposure to careers in the field.  

To date, more than 175 students have graduated from the LIFT the TriState program. 

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services reports that there are 985 annual openings for hand packers and packagers in the Cincinnati Metropolitan statistical area.  

LIFT the TriState helps fill the need by developing a qualified workforce from people who may not currently have the skill set to earn a living wage.

Graduates of the program have the opportunity to earn:

• Powered equipment certifications in sit-down forklift, reach truck, cherry picker, and walkie picker 
• MSSC Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
• MSSC Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) 
• ServSafe Food Handler Certificate 
• Certificate of Completion from LIFT the TriState Program 

LIFT the TriState is a collaboration between the Freestore Foodbank, BelFlex Staffing Network and Gateway Community & Technical College. The program is funded by the Work Ready Skills Initiative, the McCaw Family Charitable Fund, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and anonymous donors.

The next LIFT class begins on January 10, 2022. For more information or to apply, go to freestorefoodbank.org/lift-the-tristate.