On Saturday, May 18, Sunflower-Humphreys Counties Progress, Inc. hosted a group of students, who received in-depth classroom instruction and hands-on training for forklift machinery.
Students from Sunflower and Humphreys counties took a course that stressed the importance of trade skills, understanding heavy machinery and more.
The course was taught by Amonzo Kincaid of Pell City, Alabama, who currently serves as a business unit leader for Jeep Wrangler (JL) and Mercedes Maybach (Z296) at Eissmann Automotive.
“I am here today to teach the younger generation a skill-set that is undervalued and needed in today’s workforce. I have been in the automotive industry for 15 years as a material manager and operations manager in Birmingham, Alabama,” he said.
Kincaid said that trade skills are crucial because they provide valuable knowledge and expertise that can lead to successful careers.
By learning trade skills such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical work or, in this case, heavy vehicle machinery, individuals may develop specialized abilities that are in demand in various industries.
This knowledge could enable people, young and older, to take on important roles in the workforce and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Acquiring trade skills not only help to enhance job prospects but they often empower individuals to solve practical problems and create tangible results.
Gaining knowledge of trade skills often serves to equip individuals with valuable tools for personal and professional growth.
SHCPI said that it tries to provide participants with rigorous training and work experience so that upon completion they are “job-ready” and well-prepared to bring value to their next employer. SHCPI has collaborated with employers to provide work experience training.
Participants are placed on a worksite to gain skills and develop work ethic. Participants are monitored daily and evaluated weekly to biweekly on the job by SHCPI staff and employers to achieve positive outcomes.
If the employers have funds available and the participant does a good job, the employer may hire the participant.
“Mr. Amonzo Kincaid has been providing forklift training and certification for the SHCPI WIOA Program for over five years. These students can use this certification to get a job in the manufacturing technology field. We have had students receive this certification and start out making $15 per hour,” said Leronda Sibley, the WIOA (Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act) director at SHCPI.
