News Article | 6/17/2009

Federally funded logistics training coming to AllianceTexas

Training and certification opportunities await production and supply chain logistics workers thanks to a new program planned for the AllianceTexas development.

Under the national logistics training program, the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council will bring to the Alliance Global Logistics Hub a training program focusing on core skills and knowledge sought by the nation’s production and supply chain logistics workers.

“This certification will increase the value of those who complete the training, since they will have a certificate that is nationally recognized and promoted by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council,” said Kay Lee, senior manager of corporate services at Tarrant County College.

Initial training for the Washington, D.C.-based council program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Certified logistics associate and certified logistics technician credentials offer logistics workers a way to document their skills and provide a means to secure higher wages, according to Leo Reddy, chief executive with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.

“They apply to front-line workers across the entire supply chain: from factories, to warehouses, to distribution centers, to truck drivers responsible for handling materials,” Reddy added.

“Alliance companies will benefit by having highly trained logistics professionals, which will improve efficiency and quality control at their facilities,” Lee said.

Many of the 200 companies at the Alliance hub helped formulate the program and have guaranteed job interviews to students who complete the certification. Among those companies are JC Penney, Motorola, DSC Logistics and Bridgestone-Firestone.

“Alliance is the natural location to launch this new logistics training program,” said Steve Boecking, vice president of Hillwood Properties, the developer of Alliance.