Moraine Valley Community College’s fall programming includes new classes to kick-start or advance a career in supply chain, an emergent industry that uses logistics to get products or services from manufacturers to consumers.

Jobs in supply chain are in demand and offering a high earning potential, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“The supply chain and logistics industry is growing, and there is a shortage of skilled labor,” said Steve Pappageorge, executive director of Corporate, Community and Continuing Education (CCCE) at Moraine Valley. “Our forklift and aerial work platform courses enable entrance into this industry. Many other career options exist provided individuals invest in building additional skills to make them a more competitive candidate.”

New this fall is the Forklift and Operator Training and Safety class, which provides formal training in the correct and safe operations of a powered industrial forklift truck. Pappageorge noted this class is designed to fulfill the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirement of only allowing trained and authorized operators to operate powered industrial trucks. This training is applicable for electric, liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, or diesel operated powered industrial trucks. A written test with pass/fail standards will be administered.

This five-week class, available in English or Spanish, is offered on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Course codes are Aug. 10 (MPS-120-001), Sept. 14 (MPS-120-002), Oct. 12 (MPS-120-003), Nov. 16 (MPS-120-004), and Dec. 14 (MPS-120-005). Materials are included. Cost is $95.

The new Aerial Work Platforms: Operator Safety Training course provides training in scissors vertical lifting platforms and book lifts and is OSHA/ANSI certified. The three-week class is offered on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Course codes are Aug. 6 (MPS-121-001), Oct. 8 (MPS-122-002) and Dec. 10 (MPS-122-003). The cost is $149.

“These are quick and inexpensive courses that teach people the necessary skills to safely operate powered industrial forklifts and aerial work platforms,” Pappageorge said. “Businesses in our district need people with these skills. Jobs are available.”

To complement this training, Moraine Valley offers the Supply Chain Management certificate, Certified Logistics Associate program and the Certified Logistics Technician course.

The Supply Chain Management certificate, a six-course, 17-credit-hour certificate program, provides a solid foundation in all facets of supply chain network, operations management and cargo security with an understanding of domestic and global issues. Completion of this series of courses can lead to a certificate in as little as one semester.

The Certified Logistics Associate program and the Certified Logistics Technician class are aligned with Manufacturing Skills Standards Council standards covering the core competency areas required for high skill, frontline material handling workers across all supply chain facilities.

The Certified Logistics Associate program is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 23 to Nov. 29, from 6 to 10 p.m. The course code is MP8-700-200. Upon completion, students will be assessed for the foundation level Certified Logistics Associate credential. Cost is $1,099. Students will earn 2.5 adult continuing education credits.

The Certified Logistics Technician Associate program is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 4 to Oct. 9, from 6 to 10 p.m. The course code is MP8-701-200. Upon completion, students will be assessed for the Certified Logistics Technician credential. Cost is $1,099. Students will earn 2.5 adult continuing education credits.

For more information on these courses and programs, contact the CCCE office at (708) 974-5735 or ccce@morainevalley.edu.