As a student you should look for a course that will give you a complete and comprehensive introduction to operating forklifts. You need a program of study that will train you to become a competent, safety conscious operator who is able to handle a variety of mechanical trucks. The course should be affordable, provide excellent value for money, and have a program of study that is flexible enough to be tailored meet your own unique requirements. To assist you in this endeavour, we have written this resource page, which aims to help you to find the best forklift truck training course that money can buy.

Forklift training courses can help to support a business by keeping its workers compliant with best practice procedures, and the latest legal requirements, all of which in turn helps managers to meet the demands of a modern workplace. In addition to this, training helps to improve a forklift operators performance and productivity, and leads to an overall increase in general safety awareness.

Forklift training courses overview

There are a wide variety of professional courses that can be taken by beginners and professionals alike. Refresher courses are available for experienced workers who want to gain an additional licence, or re-acquaint themselves with the latest operating practices.

Students will receive the best quality tuition, and learn from a syllabus that consists of both classroom and practical lessons. They will learn from the basics like how to start, move and steer a forklift, right through to carrying out complex driving manoeuvres. Competency tests are conducted on trucks whilst they are both laden and un-laden in confined areas. You will undergo appropriate theoretical and practical exams that will test your basic operating skills and knowledge. There are of course both written and practical tests at the end of the course. After completing this hands on and theoretical training, trainees should be able to operate forklifts safely and skilfully in any environment.

Forklift training courses can also be instrumental in helping to reduce industrial accidents. This is because they are involved in many workplace transport accidents, with most incidents being due to poor supervision and a lack of training. Upon leaving you will receive a written assessment and certificates of attendance and achievement. Some training providers also issue a photo ID card to those who pass.

Training is usually spread over a number of days, the length of which tends to depend on a student’s competency and level of experience. Courses are given by qualified instructors who are focused, motivated and very supportive of their students.

You can learn how to drive

  • Bendi trucks
  • Counterbalance forklifts
  • Industrial lift trucks
  • Multidirectional trucks
  • Pedestrian operated trucks
  • Powered pallets
  • Reach trucks
  • Rough Terrain Forklifts
  • Side Loaders
  • Tow trucks
  • Trucks controlled from both seated and stand-on positions.

Typical subjects taught on a forklift training course

  • Access platform training
  • Banksman training
  • Battery maintenance
  • Cherry picker training
  • Control and instruments
  • Health & Safety
  • Hydraulics
  • Lifting equipment
  • Lifting functions
  • Lifting operations
  • Lorry loading
  • Low level order picker
  • Manual Handling Tasks
  • Mobile Access Platforms
  • Mobile cranes
  • Overhead cranes
  • Pallet Stacking
  • Pedestrian Pallet Mover
  • Plant Equipment
  • Pre-use checks
  • Reach truck training
  • Refuelling processes
  • Scissor Lifts Dumpers
  • Side Loading
  • Stability issues
  • Truck stability
  • Vehicle Marshalling

How are forklift training courses delivered?
There are two main ways that training is conducted, firstly at a specialist training centre, and secondly on site, at a place of work.

Place of work
Trainers can come to your place of work to train you there. The main advantage of this is that company employees can be trained in surroundings that are familiar to them, other advantages being that they will not have to take time off work for travelling, and will also save money that would otherwise be spent on transportation. Training is flexible and can be arranged in such a way so that it fits in with shift arrangements and doesn’t interfere with busy work periods.

At a purpose built training centre
This method has the advantage of causing minimal disruption to your core business activities. Classes are conducted in a warehouse environment, complete with course registers, manuals, safety codes and protective clothing. Theoretical study takes place in fully equipped modern lecture rooms.

You will learn how to

  • Drive Counter Balanced Fork lift Trucks up to and including 5 tonne capacity.
  • Drive in confined and open spaces.
  • Transport palletised loads.
  • Work in a safe environment.
  • Use rear wheel steering.
  • Maintain a forklift.
  • Turn it on and off.
  • Use a full range of attachments like Brick Clamps, Clam Shells and Hooks.
  • Check trucks for defects.

You will learn about

  • Stacking pallets and de-stacking from high eye and ground level.
  • Forward and reverse steering manoeuvres.
  • Safe working practices.
  • Hazard perception.
  • Advanced driving techniques.
  • Load security, curtain and straps.
  • Correct stacking and de-stacking methods.
  • Accident prevention.
  • Using straddle legs for extra stability.

Who is a forklift training course suitable for
These courses are suitable for operators, instructors, supervisors and managers. They are also ideal for existing experienced operators who just require a re-test to update their CV and credentials.

Questions to ask a forklift training provider

  • What is the average first time pass rate.
  • Do they have any testimonials from satisfied students?
  • Is all of the training material i.e. books and software provided for in the fee, or do you have to purchase them separate.
  • Does the price include any exams or tests that you have to sit.
  • Does the price include any certificate of completion.
  • Is any free support provided once you have successfully completed the course?
  • The total cost of the course.
  • When do you have to pay the fee, up front or half no and half later?
  • When will you get your certificate.
  • How long has your company been running these courses?
  • What type of certificate will you get at the end, can you see an example of it, and is it accredited by any trade or recognized industry body?
  • Where exactly will the course be held? (this question does not apply to online or distance learning courses).
  • Will you have to take an examination to pass the course, if so how many exams will you have to sit.
  • If you fail a test, then can you keep retaking it until you pass, if so is there an extra charge for every time you take a test?
  • What is the average pass rate of students?
  • Are there any grants available for this course, or discounts for students etc?
  • How many people will there be in a class?
  • What resources do you provide students?
  • How do I register for a course?

How to choose a course provider
Students should look for licensed operators who have a reputation for being thorough in their training, and who have good pass rates for their students.

 

More courses
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CV templates
Entry Level Forklift Driver resume template