As part of its diversification plan, DHL Global Forwarding Costa Rica recently welcomed its first female forklift operators.

A spokesperson told Forkliftaction News that the company's turnover rate in 2020 is more than 20%, and about a quarter of voluntary departures are for forklift operator positions.

At the same time, nearly a quarter of women in Costa Rica are unemployed-while the unemployment rate for men is 13%. “Putting these two variables together, we understand the opportunity to create a plan that will affect the employability of women in the country in the long term and help us continue to close the gender gap within DHL,” he explained.

DHL received more than 400 applications when it launched the program and selected 10 women for the first batch-3 existing DHL employees and 7 unemployed women. Three of the initial candidates have completed training and obtained permanent forklift operator positions.  

The program includes nine courses, each of which lasts four hours, has theoretical and practical content, and enables participants to obtain a forklift license.

John Knohr, CEO of DHL Central America and the Caribbean, said: "Last week, we celebrated the graduation of the first female forklift operators; this first generation had an inspiring impact on DGF because of our logistics and transportation There is a considerable gap in women’s participation in the industry. Therefore, we have a valuable opportunity to create employment options that can add value to the organization and the country.

He added: "We are proud that such initiatives are putting diversity and inclusion actions on the right track." 

Not a member yet? Register here

Do you like what you see here?

Subscribe now to access more of this great content.

It is fast and free.

Log in to open member exclusive content.