Feeding Tampa Bay recognizes that it takes more than food to fight hunger. We employ a model that focuses not only on food for today, but also food for tomorrow, and eventually food for a lifetime. Programs like freshforce help connect you to job training opportunities, rejoin the workforce, and provide a pathway to self-sustainability. Benefits of the FreshForce Program Learn life skills, financial literacy, technology, and customer service practices Gain hands-on experience while learning technical skills Obtain certifications needed to enter the job force Connect with employers in your field Earn a stipend while you learn Company Overview Feeding Tampa Bay serves ten counties in West Central Florida and is a leader in hunger relief across our region. Just last year, we served 85M meals to our neighbors through direct service and through our network of 400+ food pantry partners. But, we know food alone won’t solve hunger — that’s why we’re redefining what it means to feed our region. By creating pathways to possibilities for nearly 1 million people, Feeding Tampa Bay connects and convenes solutions, partners and resources that nourish long-term stability. As a member of the Feeding America network, we will work to dismantle barriers for individuals, families and seniors across our area — because it’s possible. Summary The Feeding Tampa Bay Freshforce Training Program provides industry-recognized certifications and hands-on job training to individuals with barriers to employment. The Truck Driving program offers technical and professional skills to prepare students for employment in truck-driving and related fields requiring a Class B Commercial Driver License. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, testing, group discussion, hands-on training, employability training, and life skills training to prepare students for successful employment in the industry. The courses offer students opportunities to gain experience behind the wheel, obtain industry-recognized certifications, and receive hands-on electric pallet-jack training. Students will work both individually and as a group throughout their time in the program. Training spaces will primarily include the classroom, the warehouse, outdoor training spaces, and inside trucks while participating in this program. Instruction for this program is primarily conducted through SAGE Truck Driving School. Forklift instruction is led by Lemuel Scott, Director of Workforce Development Programs. The training program is 10 weeks long and students are primarily in class on Monday from 8:30am to 3:00pm and Tuesday through Friday from 5am to 1:30pm. Students also take a 30-minute lunch break at midday. The program is provided at zero cost to students and they also receive a bi-weekly stipend of $14 an hour to help them overcome any financial barriers that may deter them from successfully completing the program. Students also receive support and resources to overcome barriers relating to food, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and other related challenges. Program Objective Over 10 weeks, the Distribution & Operations program aims to provide students with the skills and training needed to obtain a job in the warehousing, distribution, supply chain logistics or a related industry. The program provides students with opportunities to: Learn about occupational hazards and practice safety while working in a warehouse or distribution facility; Safely and confidently operate forklifts and other powered industrial trucks; Gain foundational knowledge of supply-chain logistics, material handling, quality control, and inventory; Learn and practice employability skills including effective workplace communication, professionalism, resume-writing, and interviewing; Learn and apply methods of task-management and time-management in the workplace; Understand and apply basic principles relating to customer service.
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Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
101-250 employees