LOUISVILLE, KY. – On Friday, March 13, Goodwill Kentucky, the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Forklift University, My Workforce Future, and the Bluegrass Workforce Development Board celebrated graduates of a training program that enabled local inmates of Woodford County Detention Center to obtain forklift operator certification prior to their release.
Twelve inmates earned certification by completing a week-long program that combined virtual reality simulation with hands-on forklift instruction. The training, delivered by Forklift U, was customized to the needs and facilities of Goodwill Kentucky’s employer partners, who are seeking qualified candidates to fill much-needed roles with these specialized skills.
“Seven years ago, I was incarcerated and couldn’t get hired anywhere, and that’s exactly why this work matters to me,” said Scott Peloso, vice president of program operations for Forklift U. “We are bringing the same enterprise-level VR forklift simulation technology used inside large manufacturing companies directly into detention centers.”
Throughout the training, Goodwill Kentucky and the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet provided participants with basic employment support services and reentry support as well, intertwining practical resources with career-specific instruction.
“This program shows what’s possible when workforce partners come together to create real opportunities for people preparing to reenter our communities,” said Dennis Ritchie, vice president of strategic partnership for Goodwill Kentucky. “By combining hands-on training with resources, connections, and reentry support, these participants are leaving not just with a certification, but with a pathway to stable employment and a fresh start.”
Pre- and post- release, Goodwill Kentucky works directly with local employers to connect justice-impacted individuals with job opportunities that match their new skills and credentials, while providing ongoing support as they navigate life after incarceration.
“Working together to build a pathway for inmates who prove they are ready to change – Forklift U is honored to be a part of that vision,” Peloso added.
This specific forklift certification cohort was the second of its kind. In February, Goodwill Kentucky and its partners launched the initiative at the Whitley County Detention Center, in partnership with employer partners Highlands Diversified, Aisin, and Kowa. The inaugural cohort graduated 12 participants as well.
“The Reentry and Employment Services Branch is proud to partner in this meaningful effort to help equip individuals with the skills and resources [they need] for a successful transition from incarceration to the workforce,” said Aaron Poynter, director of the Reentry and Employment Services Branch of the Kentucky Office of Adult Education. “This intentional collaboration reflects our shared commitment to increasing workforce participation, reducing recidivism, and strengthening communities across Kentucky.”
For more information about Goodwill Kentucky and the services they provide, visit GoodwillKY.org. To learn more about the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, visit elc.ky.gov.
About Goodwill Kentucky
For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to Goodwill Kentucky stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.