Material Handling and Distribution Operations

Material Handling and Distribution Operations

Potential earnings range:
$57,865-$110,406*
Per year after graduation

Do you enjoy being active? Organizing and coordinating tasks with others? Are you attentive, dependable and good at solving problems? 

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Material Handling and Distribution Operations training program. 

On the job, you will ...

  • Oversee activities that include purchasing, transportation, inventory and warehousing 
  • Direct movement of a range of goods, people or supplies, from common consumer goods to military supplies and personnel 
  • Move stock to prepare for shipment or distribution 
  • Record number of units handled using production sheets or work tickets 

Some of the career options you will have ... 

Individuals with their Material Handling and Distribution Operations credentials typically go to work for a warehouse or at a shipping pier. Operators spend most of the day on their feet and often carry large or heavy items. Most work full time. 

The credentials you will earn ...  

In the Material Handling and Distribution Operations training program, you will earn industry-recognized credentials and/or state licensure. Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program. 

What you’ll need to start training ...  

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers) 
  • Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses 
  • Passing scores on all written and performance tests 
  • Meet academic (math and reading) requirements 
* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.
Meet your instructors

Meet your instructors

Travis Peel
Travis Peel
Travis Peel is a full-time Material Handling and Distribution Operations instructor with Ottumwa Job Corps Center. He has a background in material handling, law enforcement, young adult/adult ministries and community engagement services. Travis’ roles in these fields have provided him with experience and insight into career skills and studies, and how to support students in the classroom.
Brent Moughler
Brent Moughler
Brent Moughler joined Ottumwa Job Corps as a Material Handling and Distribution Operations instructor seven years ago and enjoys teaching, mentoring, and watching students grow and get excited about their future careers. Before Job Corps, he held many positions in the material handling field over 35 years, including warehouse worker, safety officer, and forklift operator/trainer. After receiving a B.A. degree in psychology and successfully completing OSHA and forklift trainer’s courses, he continued and graduated from the Ottumwa Leadership Academy in 2018. Brent is most proud of the relationships he has built with students and staff he has worked with.