“MEMORABLE!” That is how Gary Hamilton, a humble yet determined resident from Linstead, St Catherine, describes his experience with the Desnoes and Geddes (D&G) Foundation-led forklift operator training programme.

As part of the first cohort of trainees, Hamilton successfully completed the programme in September 2023. However, before joining the initiative, Hamilton faced financial hardships and struggled to find stable employment, leaving his future uncertain. When he learned about the training opportunity, he seized it as a chance to invest in his personal and professional growth — an experience that, in his words, changed his life in ways he never anticipated.

Launched last summer by the D&G Foundation in partnership with DECS Management & Logistics Services Limited and Project STAR, the forklift certification programme was created to fill a critical gap in Jamaica’s workforce. Since then, the programme has achieved its goal of certifying more forklift operators, enhancing safety protocols, and boosting productivity across industries.

Hamilton recalls being nervous at first, unsure of his ability to handle the seemingly complex and heavy machinery. Commendably, though, when he got the opportunity to operate the forklift, everyone thought he was a natural.

“The trainer didn’t believe it was my first time. I paid keen attention to my peers, learnt from their mistakes, and before long, I was operating the machine like a ‘pro’.” Hamilton said, still surprised by how quickly he mastered the forklift.

Understanding the hurdles faced by many participants, the D&G Foundation provided more than just technical training. The programme included stipends for transportation and lunch, alleviating some of Hamilton’s challenges.

“Sometimes I felt like giving up,” Hamilton admitted and often shared these concerns with D&G Foundation accountant Dennis Beckford, who soon became a source of motivation.

“Mr Beckford was someone I never wanted to disappoint. Whenever I felt like giving up, he reminded me that things would improve. And look, things are better now,” he added.

For Hamilton, the forklift training programme ignited a newfound passion in his career, giving him the skills and confidence to pursue new opportunities.

His appreciation and dedication to his work are evident in his current daily routine. “I take my job seriously,” Hamilton expressed as he detailed how he wakes up at 3:00 am each day to ensure he is punctual despite the long commute.

Before joining the programme, he occasionally worked roofing and minor construction jobs with a family member. Today, he proudly holds his first full-time position at Newport-Fersan, Jamaica’s leading fertiliser supplier. As a certified forklift operator, he is now essential to the company’s production team. With these new skills, he has progressed to training new employees, passing on the same life-changing knowledge he gained.

Through the D&G Foundation’s forklift training programme, Hamilton has found a new sense of purpose.

“The certification helped me out a lot. It gives me more options, and now I have more access to jobs. I’m in a much better position,” he explained.

He also emphasised that the programme supersedes simply training participants to operate the forklift; it has propelled him out of his comfort zone and equipped him with valuable soft skills for interacting with diverse individuals.

Now a role model to his family and peers, he aspires to continue setting an example of what can be achieved when opportunity meets determination.

“My friends want to be in the same field now. I can be a breadwinner because of this programme. I don’t have to be involved in certain things; I can make an honest bread,” he said, reflecting on how his life has changed.

Looking ahead, he dreams of becoming a professional forklift operator abroad and using his knowledge to inspire other young people to achieve their personal and professional goals.

What began as uncertainty for Gary Hamilton has transformed into a journey of growth, resilience, and hope. Now, he is steering a clear path to success.