GURGAON, India, December 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Srinivasa N D, employee of Toyota Kirloskar, bagged the title of 'Forklift Operator of the Year 2015' following a tough competition, which culminated in 6 live challenges at the Grand Finale on 19th November 2015. Srinivasa gave an outstanding performance throughout the competition following the best safety and operating practices. Toyota Kirloskar took double honours by clinching the 'Best Forklift Workforce of the Year 2015' title as well.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150817/10128714)
Winner Srinivasa was presented with a trophy and will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the UK to participate in the RTITB's 2016 International Operator of the Year competition at the IMHX, Birmingham. All eight grand finalists were also awarded with a free upskilling course from Praguna at their state-of-the-art training centre in Dharuhera, Haryana.
"Our main reason to run this competition was to showcase the contribution that operators make to logistics. These people are professionals and the best ones have high level of skills. ThinkLink and RTITB are celebrating these professionals, their skills, and the need for skilling through this competition," says Mr. Saurabh Goyal, Managing Director, ThinkLink.
This initiative was supported by the industry leaders such as Jungheinrich, Godrej, NSDC, TVS Logistics, Rhenus Logistics, Mahindra Logistics, Reed Manch, Nilkamal, ForkliftAction.com and Cargo Connect, making this initiative a huge success in its first edition. This initiative was launched in the month of July at IWS 2015, Pragati Maidan, Delhi and was brought to fruition on 19th of November with the Grand Finale, followed by awards ceremony and gala dinner. 'Forklift Operator of the Year 2015' has been brought to India by Praguna in partnership with RTITB, who have been running this competition in the UK since 2008.
"Forklift Operator of the year was an out of the box event, which took place for the first time in India. Such events are need of the hour. I congratulate ThinkLink for analysing the need of the hour and organising it successfully. Reed Manch is happy to be associated with this event," says Akshita Kapoor, Director Exhibitions, Reed Manch.
"I think the first of its kind event in recognising Forklift operators is commendable. The Forklift truck operators play a very significant role in manufacturing and warehousing environment and an event like this boosts their morale and brings out the best in them. I am confident that this is just the beginning and this event is certainly going to greater heights in the years to come. My commitments to 'ThinkLink' for taking the lead in this task," adds R Shankar, CEO, TVS Logistics Services Ltd.
Close to 200 operators from over 65 companies participated in the competition's regional heats. Surpassing the intense competition at the regional heats, these 8 finalists finally emerged victorious and moved into the final leg of the competition:
"This competition was very much required in India as there was a need of trained Forklift operators. It was an excellent idea of having such a competition for the first time in India. We were honored to be the equipment partner for this event. ThinkLink has done a great job," said Manojit Acharya, Managing Director, Jungheinrich Lift truck India Pvt Ltd.
The first of its kind in India, the aim of the competition has been to recognise and reward highly skilled and safety conscious operators and to encourage more operators to work to this same high standard.
Speaking at the gala dinner, Laura Nelson, Managing Director, RTITB urged the competitors and companies present to use, the now annual, event as a catalyst for communication on the importance of achieving a highly skilled and professional forklift workforce across India. "Training is key, competence is paramount. We can save lives and dramatically increase forklift operational efficiency in Indian business if we share the messages we already understand. Tonight is just the start," she said.
With the deep belief that skilled operators on the ground help unlock value in Logistics Operations, ThinkLink presents its new offering 'Praguna Plus' aimed at providing specialized logistics workforce solutions catering to the needs of supply chain & logistics sector; also presenting an opportunity to people on the ground (Praguna Commandos) to get skilled, earn respect and have a progressive career path. As ThinkLink has great faith in the skill transfer done at Praguna Centres they are ready to vouch for the capabilities of its 'Praguna Commandos'.
About Praguna:
Praguṇa is an initiative taken by ThinkLink for Skill Development in Vocational Roles where Supply Chain Operations are impacted through lack of appropriate skills. The initiative aims to create jobs that give a more meaningful and rewarding work experience to people at the of bottom the supply chain pyramid while working with employers to invest in their skills and pay better wages that are paid for by demonstrated ROI through efficiency, safety, productivity, cost and quality in less than 6 months.
About RTITB:
RTITB (formerly the Road Transport Industry Training Board) has been synonymous with high quality training in the transport, warehousing and logistics industries for over 40 years. They provide businesses with effective tools to train people and supports them to ensure the training is delivered correctly.
RTITB believe passionately in the role that training plays in improving safety and increasing efficiency in the workplace. Over 130,000 professionals from these industries already attend their courses every year. The company accredits 600 sites across the UK and Ireland, as well as centres in Oman and India, for the delivery of materials handling equipment training. They also operate dedicated services for transport, warehousing and logistics instructors including a training academy, online shop and professional register.
Media Contact:
Manvi Goyal
[email protected]
+91-9873924539
Director
ThinkLink Supply Chain Services Pvt. Ltd.
Share this article