Forklift Operator Education Requirements

Driving and operating a forklift requires a thorough knowledge of the forklift truck itself and the environments you are working in. Forklift trucks are used worldwide to transport a huge variety of goods and materials to vehicles and warehouses, often removing and depositing these items in hard to reach places. But what is required from a forklift driver and what can they expect to gain from their careers?

Responsibilities

Forklift drivers are tasked with a variety of jobs, from loading and unloading deliveries to storing goods in the correct areas. They can be used in conjunction with a range of vehicles, from trucks and vans to aeroplanes and even boats, increasing the efficiency of the delivery process. While it would take several people and considerable effort to move goods and empty pallets across a warehouse, for example, a forklift can do this simply and efficiently, freeing up others to take on other tasks.

Qualifications

There is actually no legal requirement for any qualifications for forklift drivers, but there are strongly recommended guidelines that employers should follow when using forklift operators. They must have completed an approved operating course and they must be provided with refresher courses at regular intervals that do not exceed three years. The minimum age for a forklift operator to take a course is 16 years old.

There are six accrediting bodies in the Accrediting Bodies Association. They are:

Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT)
Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSR)
Lantra Awards
National Plant Operators Registration Scheme Ltd (NPORS)
RTITB Ltd

Salary

The typical starting salary for a new forklift operator can be between £11,00 and £13,500, increasing to approximately £21,000 for more experienced operators. As forklifts are required around the clock to meet demand for deliveries, there is often a chance for extra shifts and night work to increase the money that they earn.

Important Skills

Operators must have a high level of concentration, owing to the differing types of goods they are in charge of – from heavy materials to hazardous ones, the utmost care is required to ensure they are transported safely. Organisation and discipline are key, because of the stringent health and safety regulations that are in place in this industry.

Working Conditions

The work environment associated with forklifts is often a busy one, with operators constantly moving goods to and from storage, and the large amount of people, machinery and materials means that it is important appropriate safety equipment is worn at all times. Helmets and high visibility jackets are vital, and the long hours and often trying conditions mean that drivers should be mentally and physically prepared for the tough work.

Here at Euro 1 Training, we are proud to offer comprehensive forklift training for business and private clients alike. If you would like to know more, please do get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help.