Tacoma Tideflats – Warehouse and Logistics

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Programs start at various times throughout the year/summer. Once you apply, we will contact you when a program start date is established.

Looking for a career in or around the Port of Tacoma?  This program gives you all the certifications to make some amazing money immediately.  Whether it is for summer work to pay for college or as a career, these certifications open you up to some amazing opportunities.  Moving products using a variety of lift trucks or keeping people safe by controlling traffic, these certifications have a starting wage around $20 per hour.  Part of this program also consists of field trips for students to explore job opportunities, meet local employers, and connect with community members.

Students practice driving a forklift at Lincoln High School

Summer 2023 Program Details

  • Application window open: Ongoing
  • Program dates: July 10th to July 27th (no class on July 14th or 21st)
  • Meeting location: Hunt Middle School
  • Notify selected applicants: Early June
  • Approximate hours to complete: 90
  • Certifications: OSHA 10, flagger, forklift, Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC), and Financial Literacy through EverFi
  • Completion stipend: $500
  • Credits toward graduation: 0.5 in Skilled and Technical Sciences
  • Total spots available: 24
  • Special considerations for this program: Official State or Federal ID such as a passport, military ID, driver's license or ID card (Federal requirement, not Tacoma Public School's requirement).  Forklift certification requires you to be 18 years old.  If a younger student passes the test, the credential will be held until their 18th birthday and then delivered to the school.
  • For additional information, please contact Jeff Klancke: jklanck@tacoma.k12.wa.us

Warehouse/Logistics Careers by the Numbers

Average Salary (as of 4/12/22):

  • Forklift operator - $43,112 source
  • Flagger - $49,720 source (as of May 2021)

Required Education: High school or equivalent, on-the-job training

Job Outlook (2020-2030): 

  • Forklift - 7% (as fast as average) source
  • Flagger - 

Current Job Postings: 

What it's like to be a: