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How to Become a Forklift Truck Driver

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How to Become a Forklift Truck Driver

How to Become a Forklift Truck Driver

Forklift truck driving can be an interesting, fulfilling career for someone looking for something active and who likes the idea of handling machines. In this article, we’re going to be giving a brief overview of what being a forklift truck driver involves, before detailing the different pathways to becoming one.

What a forklift truck driver does

The daily jobs and duties of a forklift truck driver are a little more varied and complicated than you might think. Here’s a list of some of the things that you might need to do day to day:

  • Inspect and maintain the forklift truck to ensure it’s in top shape
  • Load and unload different types of goods from vehicles
  • Manoeuvre around warehouses
  • The manual handling of goods may be necessary from time to time
  • Paperwork completion may be necessary for orders
  • Stack items carefully on storage racks

 The pathways to becoming a forklift truck driver

There are four mains ways that you can become a forklift truck driver and these are:

  • College: Doing a college course is a very viable way of becoming a forklift truck driver, as it will allow you to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. A specific course to consider would be the Level 2 Certificate in Forklift Truck Operations. In order to take this course, you will need two or more GCSEs from grade 9 to 3 (A* to D).
  • Apprenticeship: Another possible entry route would be to get an apprenticeship in warehouse management or supply chain operations with a construction or manufacturing company. Like a college course, you will need two or more GCSEs from grade 9 to 3 (A* to D).

    Apprenticeships are open to anyone who is 16 and older. As an apprentice, you will be employed by the company and expected to work at least 30 hours a week. However, that time will be split between actual hands-on training and college work.
  • Applying directly: If you already have some work experience under your belt, you could always try applying directly to a company. Lots of companies are happy to offer comprehensive training to new starters, so you might not need any proper in-role experience.

    However, if you don’t think you have the correct sort of experience to apply for a full-time job, you could also consider applying for work experience with the company in question. Work experience can be very flexible, and it looks fantastic on your CV!
  • Training providers: If you’re in the North East, you could always choose a training provider like Health & Safety Training to help you with your forklift skills. We have a range of different forklift courses, all of which are approved by the HSE and in line with relevant health and safety regulations, so you can be sure it’s high quality.

Health & Safety Training is the most trusted and used training provider in the North East. We’ve helped lots of people gain the skills and knowledge they need to become successful forklift truck drivers, so if you would like to enquire about one of our courses, all you have to do is give us a call!

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