Introduction
The Health and Safety at work Act (1974) sets out regulations to ensure that employers are providing their staff with ‘adequate information, instruction and training’.
Forklift trucks are extremely valuable and crucial pieces of machinery within the industry. They allow for easy movement and storage of materials and are designed to make certain jobs simpler, and safer.
Operating a fork lift truck is a skilled role. Those coming into contact with forklift trucks should not only know how to use them, but also be aware of how to check and inspect for faults, to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
At TL Training, we understand just how important it is to have a trained workforce. We have provided quality training to novice, intermediate, and experienced forklift operators spread across a broad spectrum of industries.
Our RTITB-accredited FLT training is conducted by experienced trainers, ensuring you leave our courses with the necessary confidence and knowledge to operate a forklift safely. We can also deliver forklift training on your business premises should you need us to.
Whether you’re new to the profession or require a refresher course, there’s a TL Training course for you. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our courses or to speak to one of our FLT training experts about your business requirements.
Fork Lift Truck Drivers Are In Demand Due To The Shortage Of Workers Able To Operate Them
The demand for forklift drivers is at an all time high, due to the shortage in qualified workers able to operate them. The number of businesses searching for FLT operators is continuing to grow for a number of reasons such as Brexit, Covid and the need for fast-paced supply chains thanks to the booming e-commerce industry.
Forklifts are a vital component of every warehouse and the supply chain affecting our food and industry. Without an adequate number of forklift drivers warehouses can’t operate at full capacity.
It Is A Very Skilled Job And Should Only Be Undertaken By A Trained Driver
Fork lift truck driving is a skilled job and there are a number of qualifications required to legally become a FLT operative. You must have the right training, the right experience and the right attitude for this job. If you do not have the right training it’s not worth the risk. Fork lift trucks are very dangerous machines so you also need to be physically fit and healthy, able to work under pressure and be able to think quickly if something goes wrong.
What Does The Job Involve
Common day to day operations include loading and unloading, collecting and stacking goods onto pallets or racks. Forklift operators are responsible for moving goods from one place to another.
FLT operators may also be required to perform repetitive tasks such as placing items on shelves, operating a pallet jack or dolly, operating packing equipment and other heavy machinery.
If You Want To Be Employed As A Fork Lift Truck Driver You Will Need To Undertake The Required Training
If you want to be employed as a fork lift truck driver you will need to undertake the required training.
To become a forklift truck driver, you don’t need any academic qualifications in things like Science and English, but you do need to have completed an approved forklift training course. These courses can take between 3 and 5 days and will be a combination of both practical learning and theory to make sure you can operate the truck properly, safely and legally.
Other than the required qualification, there are a certain set of skills and competencies that would benefit any forklift driver; newly qualified or highly experienced. These include:
- Concentration
- Discipline
- Calm under pressure
- Basic Maths Skills
- Adaptability
- Awareness
- Teamwork
You Can Either Arrange For Training At Your Place Of Work Or Find A Training Centre Near You
There are two main ways to attain your forklift truck licence. You can either arrange for training at your place of work or find a training centre near you. At TL Training we are able to offer training at your premises and at our brand new, state of the art, fork lift truck training centre in Bromborough, Wirral.
Conclusion
At TL Training we offer a comprehensive range of accredited forklift truck training courses. We can deliver on-site training and courses at our training centre on all types of forklift trucks, including:
- Counterbalances
- Container Handlers
- HIAB
- MEWP’s
- Pivot Steers
- Telescopic Handlers
- Sideloaders
- VNA’s
- POET’s
- Reach Trucks
- RT-Masted Lift Trucks
- Tow Trucks
- Vehicle-Mounted Lift Trucks
We offer comprehensive and competitively priced packages which can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. All of our trainers are highly experienced RTITB-accredited instructors, meaning that you can be confident you are receiving high-quality training that complies with all relevant regulations.
If you would like to book a course or learn more about what we offer, simply give us a call on 0151 343 0588 or email the team at [email protected] detailing your training requirements, and we will be happy to assist you further.
