In an effort to bolster the Wiregrass’ workforce, Wallace Community College announced Monday the launch of two logistics certification programs.
The entry-level certified logistics associate program will address certain soft skills like safety practices and communication before focusing on subjects needed to earn national certification, said Joe Johnson, Wallace’s director of workforce development. Once that four-week course is completed, students can advance with an additional two-week course that earns them a logistics technician certificate.
“Area citizens who are wishing to increase their competitiveness in an ever-changing job market are going to have an opportunity to receive certifications,” Wallace Community College president Dr. Linda Young said at a press conference at Dothan Warehouse — a large-scale distribution center located on Murray Road. “These certifications address technical competencies required by front-line material handling and distribution workers in all supply chains.”
The development of the courses fills an economic need, local business, education and governmental leaders said.
“Warehousing, distribution and transportation is big business in the Dothan area,” said Beau Benton, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce chairman. “In fact, there are over 1,750 employed in these industries right here in Houston County. Projected job growth has that number increasing locally, regionally and statewide.”
Wallace developed the program rather quickly.
Wallace officials worked with several local companies in developing the soft skills portion of the course, and a testing center was designed during the summer, Johnson said.
The first CLA class is set to begin Jan. 8. Those who complete the course are guaranteed interviews with five local companies — Jeffers Pet Supplies, Dothan Warehouse, Wholesale Wood Products, Arista Aviation and Southeastern Performance Apparel — state representative Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) said.
“Wallace has quickly put together a comprehensive program that will meet the needs of local businesses,” Benton said. “When it comes to workforce development, that is what it’s all about — listening to the local needs, providing training and credentials for future employees and filling local job openings.”
Young said the courses meet the standards set by the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council. A $23,000 grant from the Alabama Community College System aided in the development of the programs, Johnson said.
Ryan Richards, director of the workforce development group Southeast AlabamaWorks!, said officials plan to expand the logistics programs to Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia and Enterprise State Community College in the future.
