Commissioner : Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Whitworth Women’s Facility Hosts Pilot Program

FORSYTH, Ga. – As of December 9, 90 offenders at Whitworth Women’s Facility (WF) have received their Forklift Certification through Central Georgia Technical College. Whiworth WF was the pilot for this program, and due to the resounding success, the Department plans to expand this certification opportunity. 

“This pilot helped us determine that there is a market demand for returning citizens with forklift certification,” said Commissioner Dozier. “The students were very receptive, and we believe their post-release employment potential has greatly improved.”

The course, which is completed in one day, incorporates both classroom and hands-on experience. The initial pilot was conducted during September and October of 2016. The curriculum covers safety, equipment description, pre-operational checks, operation of a forklift, handling and stacking procedures, loading and unloading trailers, and different powered forklifts (propane, battery, gasoline, diesel).

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.