The Alameda Transportation and Logistics Academic Support Initiative (ATLAS) was officially launched recently at a reception at the Port of Oakland. ATLAS is an innovative program designed to create career path employment for East Bay residents in warehousing and logistics (truck driving, supply chain management, GIS/GPS/RFID technologies, etc.).

A first in the Bay Area, the program brings together community organizations, educators, unions and employers in an integrated approach to workforce development.

"The ATLAS program is a concrete response by the Peralta Community College District and collaborating organizations to the economic and workforce development needs identified by the Oakland partnership," said Peter Simon, dean of vocational education at College of Alameda and administrative director of the ATLAS program. "The College of Alameda will be developing training programs for the range of jobs in the field of logistics that will provide community members living-wage jobs and access to a vibrant and growing career ladder."

With special assistance from the City College of San Francisco, whose research informed much of the ATLAS program design, ATLAS is piloting the first cohorts of trainees this summer. Students are enrolled in an eight-week Warehousing Logistics Curriculum that includes job readiness training, basic math and English skills for warehousing employment, and basic warehousing and logistics training.