Vernon Cole | MNTC Adjunct

Vernon Cole, SHEP, CSHO, has been a safety trainer at MNTC for over 15 years. He always tells his students that there are three essential certifications they should obtain when seeking employment: OSHA 10-hour training, forklift certification, and first aid training.

The company prefers that all its employees complete these courses. If a candidate already possesses these certifications, the company can save money by not having to hire someone and send them for training. Vernon has been training for the Cheyenne Arapahoe Tribe for the last three years. Agencies and organizations like these receive grants to improve job opportunities for their community members. He encourages individuals to sign up for the forklift training class, which the tribe will finance. This is a win-win situation: individuals receive training, and the school secures funding.

Throughout these classes, he has witnessed a diverse group of participants, ranging from those associated with the Oklahoma Food Bank to individuals who are already employed and looking to enhance their skills. A forklift operator is an entry-level position that typically pays between $14 and $20 per hour, depending on the company.

Currently, there is an opportunity in focusing on nonprofits, which train individuals on how to fill out resumes, present themselves effectively, and complete job applications. These agencies are nonprofit organizations receiving government grants. While some of these training grants can be difficult to secure, many agencies are tailored for people without job experience who are seeking employment.

Forklift training is offered on the second week of every month from 8 a.m. to noon at the Moore Norman Technology Center South Penn campus, except on holiday weekends when the campus is closed. Students will receive certificates and a forklift training card valid for 3 years.

If you are interested in forklift training with Vernon Cole, please contact Moore Norman Technology Center at 405.801.5000 to enroll in the next class or enroll online today. Spaces are limited.  

Cole's Safety Training LLC

Vernon A. Cole, SHEP, CSHO  

OSHA Authorized Trainer for Construction & General Industry  

(UTA) University of Texas Arlington Authorized Trainer  

TERO Certified Member