More Than a Warehouse: Job Training through Deseret Industries Logistics
When people think of Deseret Industries, they often think of it as a thrift store or a place to donate items. What many don’t realize is that DI is first and foremost a job training facility. But job training is not exclusive to its retail locations. DI also operates other training facilities, like Deseret Industries Logistics.
In this article, you'll learn what Deseret Industries Logistics does, the skills associates develop there, and how the job training program helps people prepare for future employment.
What Is Deseret Industries Logistics?
Deseret Industries Logistics is a warehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah, where associates gain hands-on experience in warehouse operations while building workplace habits needed for long-term success. The facility currently has 15 associates participating in the DI job training program, with plans to double that number by the end of the year.
Deseret Industries Logistics supports shipping and receiving, inventory management, storage operations, and logistics across the DI system. Warehouse employees also help fulfill furniture orders requested by bishops for individuals and families in need throughout the United States. For associates in the DI job training program, these daily operations become opportunities to develop marketable workplace skills, including:
- Forklift operation.
- Shipping and receiving.
- Inventory management.
- Order fulfillment.
- Pallet repair.
- Warehouse safety and organization.
- Janitorial and facility maintenance.
The training is intentionally designed to align with the skills local warehouses and other employers look for when hiring.
"Our goal is to teach associates everything they would need to know to work in any warehouse," says Lee, an operations supervisor at Deseret Industries Logistics.
Building More Than Warehouse Skills
While technical training is important, managers at Deseret Industries Logistics emphasize that some of the most valuable lessons their associates learn have nothing to do with forklifts or inventory systems.
Like associates who work at Deseret Industries thrift store locations, Deseret Industries Logistics employees receive Ready for Work training that focuses on transferable workplace behaviors that can lead to success in almost any job. These behaviors include:
- Dependability.
- Productivity.
- Professionalism.
- Teamwork.
The program also helps associates develop job-seeking skills, including resume writing, interviewing, networking, and job searching. Rather than doing the work for associates, staff members help them learn how to navigate the process independently.
Overcoming Barriers and Creating New Opportunities
Beyond learning workplace skills, many associates are working to overcome challenges that have made it difficult to find employment. For some, those barriers may include a lack of work experience, limited confidence, language challenges, or difficulty finding or maintaining stable employment.
Jared, an operations supervisor at Deseret Industries Logistics, shares that one of the most rewarding parts of his work is seeing associates grow beyond those challenges.
"People often face barriers to employment,” he says. “It's great to see them overcome those challenges and learn skills that will help them get better employment elsewhere."
A Place Where People Matter
The impact of Deseret Industries Logistics isn't felt only by associates. Staff members also find meaning in helping others succeed.
For Trent, the unit manager at the facility, the mission of Deseret Industries has been personal for over 25 years. What began as a volunteer opportunity at Deseret Industries eventually became a career focused on helping others succeed.
His favorite moments come when former associates return after finding employment and share how the training and support they received helped them move forward. Those success stories remind the Deseret Industries Logistics leadership team of the deeper purpose behind their work and why it matters.
"The best thing about my job is that I get to go home at night and feel like I made a difference in people’s lives," Trent says. "I love seeing people progress."
Some associates arrive having never experienced consistent encouragement in the workplace. Through coaching, training, and genuine support, they discover new confidence and possibilities for the future.
The work happening inside Deseret Industries Logistics may focus on pallets, inventory, and logistics, but its true purpose is helping people build better lives. Through hands-on training and support, associates gain skills, overcome barriers, and prepare for future employment opportunities. Each day, they take meaningful steps toward greater confidence, better meaningful employment, and brighter futures. That's something worth supporting.
A Path Toward Future Employment
Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a setback, or looking for a fresh start, Deseret Industries Logistics provides opportunities to learn, grow, and move forward with confidence. For many associates, working in the DI job training program at Deseret Industries Logistics is the first step toward a new future.
If you're interested in building new skills, gaining work experience, and preparing for future employment, Deseret Industries Logistics may be the place to start. To learn more about the job training program, call 801-240-4660 or visit the facility at 5275 W 300 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84104. You can also speak with a supervisor in person Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
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