Obtaining your UK forklift operator certificate can open many doors and job opportunities for you, whether you’re new to the logistics industry or feel like a change in your career.
Having the correct forklift training will show potential employers that you are competent and safe to operate a truck.
You can find out more about why forklift safety is so important on our other blog post.
What is an operator?
A forklift operator is someone qualified to operate a FLT (Forklift Truck). Sometimes referred to as a fork truck, with the most common environment being warehouses and yards.
The type of FLTs you will use will depend upon the type of work, space, load, and environment you are operating in.
Each truck has unique advantages for all of these factors. As well as different operating mannerisms
2 Start offer training under a several truck types. Each type has a different ability and is used for certain types of lifting.
TRUCK TYPES
Counterbalance Truck
With a counterbalance FLT, you can manoeuvre up to the exact position of the load you are trying to move. The forks of a counterbalance extend from the front of the truck. Counterbalance trucks can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is important not to overload a counterbalance type. If the load is heavier than the weight at the back of the truck, then the FLT can tip over.
Reach Truck
Agile and works well in tight spaces. These types of FLTs are usually found in warehouses. It’s name originated from the heights they can reach. The main use of a reach truck is to load and offload products at heights. A reach truck is primarily used indoors.
Transportable (Moffett)
Defined as a truck-mounted forklift, Moffett’s can perform tasks that regular FLTs can, such as carrying loads, but is light enough so that it can be transported on the back of a truck. Using a Moffett truck can save money and time, as you can transport it yourself.
Pivot-Steer (Bendi/Flexi)
Also called a pivot steer, a Bendi comes with a lot of advantages compared to other FLT types. They combine the abilities of both the Counterbalance and Reach truck as it works in narrow aisles indoors but can also be used outdoors.
Powered Pallet Truck
Used to move pallets at ground level, as well as load and offload pallets from various vehicles. A common place you’ll see people working with powered pallet trucks would be in a warehouse and distribution centres.
Operators play a huge role in ensuring that business operations are completed effectively and efficiently.
Can you operate a forklift without training?
Not having the appropriate certificate will make it increasingly difficult to get a job as a warehouse operative.
It is the responsibility of an employer to ensure safety at work. Having the correct training will show employers that you have been taught how to operate safely and securely.
Are Operators in demand?
Glass Door estimate that the average annual salary for a forklift operator is £24,845. This could also be seen to go as high as £31,000 annually.
There is a continuous demand for qualified operators in the UK. Increasing pressures on supply chains and the massive increase in online shopping has meant that operators have become sought-after.
The International Trade Administration explain how in the UK, consumer online shopping accounts for 30% of the total retail market, a 20% increase from 2020.
Not only this, but internet shopping is most popular in the United Kingdom compared to any other country. With 82% of the UK population purchasing at least one product online in 2021.
How long Do Operator Licences Last?
Upon completing your forklift operator training, you will receive your licence. This licence is valid for up to five years. It will then be up to you or your employer to refresh your training and update your licence.
Training Course Modules
Forklift Training will cover all the aspects you need to become a competent operator. Completing the appropriate learning will also help to ensure you can complete tasks which involve operating safely.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide a downloadable copy of the Rider-Operated lift trucks: Operating training and Safe Use. This includes the dos and don’t of operating and loading forklifts. Other contingencies such as people in the workplace and slopes are defined.
All training at 2 Start is completed in one of the depots available. Providing comfortable and air-conditioned training classrooms and our spacious warehousing facilities.
Novice Training
Novice training is for those who have not had any training or certification to operate an FLT. This training will cover all the legislations and theory before you learn to operate the required truck.
Refresher Training
Refresher training consists of a typical one-day training course, which is both theory and practical based. The training will only give you a refresher on the knowledge you have already learnt.
If you require extra training to refresh your health & safety, user and base knowledge, this is the most ideal training course.
You will be expected to pass and complete the following tests:
- Theory
- Pre-Use Inspection
- Practical Skills
Experienced Operator Training
Experienced operator training is a three-day course. Primarily for those who have experience with forklifts but need to either obtain a basic operating certificate.
Combined Package
The combined training package will directly focus on five-days of novice training, including an additional one-day conversion training for another truck type.
Conversion Training
This forklift training is dependent on the type of FLTs you currently operate, and the type of forklift you are looking to become competent driving on.
Instructor Courses
At 2 Start, we also provide a range of different Instructor courses. If you are already qualified to operate an FLT, you need at least 1 year’s experience.
You must also have an operator’s certificate issued within 6 months if you wish to become an Instructor. Our courses supply all the knowledge and skills that you need in order to become a certified instructor.
ITSSAR Accreditation
The Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR) is one of the founding members of the Accrediting Bodies Association.
All forklift courses 2 Start provide are accredited by ITSSAR.
ITSSAR “promotes the highest quality of training within the workplace”, meaning that by completing and passing one of our ITSSAR-accredited training courses, you will have received the highest standard of training available.
ITSSAR are a nationally recognised accreditation and will allow you to have confidence in your abilities as well as show to others that you are a certified and competent FLT operator.
After Course Completion
Upon successful course completion, you will be a certified operator for the truck you have trained for.
Here at 2 Start Training, we have a range of courses suitable for different needs and experience levels, with Novice, Experienced Operator, Refresher, and Conversion courses available. We are also able to offer off-site training to complete on your own site.
