Inmates Gains Job Skills Through Forklift Certification Program at Rutherford County Jail
Elijah Murphy, an inmate at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center, is gaining valuable job skills while serving time as a trusty. Trusties are inmates with non-violent and less serious offenses who volunteer to assist with various tasks during their incarceration.
Murphy, along with three other trusties, recently earned certification as forklift operators. He took the course to improve his job prospects after his upcoming release.
“Knowledge is the best skill set,” Murphy said. “I can use it as a trade.”
The certification class, taught by Maintenance Lt. Devin Storie, focused on forklift and telehandler forklift safety. Maintenance Cpl. Andy Pugh explained that the course included classroom instruction, a written test, and practical exercises. Both Storie and Pugh are certified instructors for the program.
Through the program, Murphy, Charles Hall, Cody Whitaker, and Joe Sain earned the credentials needed to operate forklifts and telehandler forklifts.
“They can use the skills to help them find a job in that field and hopefully better themselves,” Pugh said.
Murphy, who has prior experience operating forklifts, said the certification will give him additional opportunities. “I learned about the center of gravity and how to move objects that are bigger,” he said.
In addition to forklift training, Murphy has gained hands-on experience in building cabinets and desks and performing electrical wiring, further expanding his skill set while serving as a trusty.
