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Manteca Unified trains teens as forklift operators plus arranges job interviews
forklift
Gabe Corro and Juan Silva, under the guidance of Logistics Professional Rocky Heckel, operates the virtual reality simulator as part of the Forklift Certification training on Wednesday.

Zach Franceschetti is a Resource Specialist at East Union High.

A year ago, he kicked off a Forklift Certification Program at his school for students interested in finding work after graduation. Fifteen received certification from that EU group.

This year, Franceschetti was able to expand that program districtwide to include all five Manteca Unified comprehensive high schools – Manteca High, EU, Sierra, Weston Ranch, and Lathrop High – along with MUSD alternative education sites, Calla High and New Vision.

All told, 54 students were involved in the Forklift Certification Program – now part of the Manteca Education & Training Center (MUSD’s Adult School) – a three-day session with in-class instructions and behind-the-wheel forklift training.

Vernon “Rocky” Heckel, a US Marine veteran and logistics professional, handles the METC certification at the District Office facility.

Included in the training is a virtual reality forklift simulator. “This is like real world with much more functionality,” Heckel said, likening this part of the training to a video game.

“These guys are video gamers,” he added.

Juan Silva and Gabe Corro, both from New Vision – students had to be at least age 18 to take part in the program – both quickly transitioned from simulator to behind the wheel.

“There wasn’t much difference (between the two),” Silva said.

Corro found the simulator helpful in memorizing the forklift controls and levers.

As the program coordinator, Franceschetti has involved WorkNet to help with line up job interviews for students.

 That was a big reason for the program.

Franceschetti was well aware that not all students are college-bound after high school.

He recalled that one of his best friends who worked in Kraft Heinz-Escalon telling him the need for forklift drivers.

Kraft Heinz along with Eckert and U.S. Cold Storage were among the companies that Franceschetti helped arranged for job interviews.

“We are very excited about this opportunity for students who will be able to leave school with a specialty certificate, ready to enter the workforce without barriers,” he noted.