Posted: 25/03/11
College unveils forklift truck for disabled students
People with disabilities are being given new opportunities to get jobs in the logistics industry, thanks to a specially-adapted vehicle introduced by West Nottinghamshire College.
The college is set to unveil a new type of forklift truck at its Construction and Logistics Skills Academy next week (30 March), which has been adapted to suit wheelchair users, amputees and those with lower limb disorders or dwarfism.
The ‘Freedom 1’ forklift truck is being introduced to the college’s logistics curriculum, in partnership with Freedom Training, a Mansfield-based company specialising in forklift truck training.
Providing injured ex-military personnel with an opportunity to re-train for a new career inspired Paul Green of Freedom Training to create the vehicle. It is believed to be the only vehicle of its kind in the world and the college will be helping to pioneer its use as a method of improving access to employment for all abilities.
Business development manager for engineering and transport at the college, Craig Done, said: “We’re proud to be introducing this new truck as part of our logistics training courses to provide people with a disability the same access to the logistics industry as able-bodied people.
“Opportunities for careers in the vast and varied logistics sector are increasing for wheelchair users, amputees and people with lower limb disorders. More logistics employers are realising that people with a disability are effective employees who add value and diversity to their workforce.
“We hope that this innovative new equipment will help open doors for disabled people keen to enter the sector.”
