Cat lift dealer donates use of forklift to high school
Cat lift truck used to teach students logistics skills
A Florida-based Cat® lift truck dealer recently donated the use of a forklift to a local high school, allowing students to receive hands-on instruction and gain the skills and experience necessary for a successful career in the logistics industry.
Ring Power Lift Trucks donated the use of a Cat lift truck 5,000 lb. capacity cushion tire truck to Columbia High School’s Global Logistics Academy in Lake City, Fla. in early October at an event with administrators and students, including Rebecca Golden, Columbia High School Global Logistics instructor.
“The forklift will allow our students to train and become forklift certified, making them more employable,” Golden said.
The Cat lift truck is valued at $20,000 and will be used in the school’s warehouse for the academic year. Outside groups will also use the truck to become forklift certified, providing additional income to sustain the program, Golden said.
“Proper training and education is crucial in the logistics industry, and the best way to learn is with hands-on instruction,” said Robert Burkhead, general manager, vice president of Ring Power Lift Trucks. “We’re proud to support Columbia High School students in preparing for a career in logistics with the donation of this Cat lift truck.”
Three years ago the Global Logistics Academy started with 53 students. Currently 124 students are enrolled in the program and many of them enter careers in the logistics field upon completion of the program. At the warehouse on campus, students receive books from First Book, an organization based in Washington D.C. that collects and donates books. When a shipment arrives, students receive the order, package the books and then distribute them throughout the country.
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Since its inception over 80 years ago, Caterpillar has grown to be the largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines in the world. For more information visit www.cat.com.
