Operating forklifts safely and legally requires proper training and certification.Once you have hold of a forklift licence, that opens doors into all manner of industries, from construction to warehouse management and much more.
Here at TAG Forklifts, we have extensive experience when it comes to providing specialised forklift training. Our experienced team outline the main things you need to look out for when picking a forklift training provider.
Choose a Reputable Training Provider
This is the most critical decision you’ll make in the licensing process. The quality of instruction you receive impacts everything from your safety to your employability. When selecting a training provider, be sure to:
Find an RTITB Approved Trainer
Verify they are accredited by RTITB or other approved bodies. This validates course and instructor standards: Choosing an RTITB or NPORS accredited provider ensures your training meets high quality benchmarks for health and safety.
These respected organisations audit providers regularly regarding training programmes, facility standards, instructor competence and more. Going with an accredited provider means your licence will be recognised industry-wide.
Real-World Experience Operators
Look for instructors with extensive real-world experience. Their insights will prove invaluable during training: Search for instructors who have clocked thousands of hours actually operating forklifts professionally in real working environments.
This in-the-trenches experience allows them to share invaluable practical insights you won’t find in any textbook. They can teach you important subtleties regarding manoeuvring different models in tight spaces, adverse weather conditions and more.
Training on Different Forklift Truck Types
Check they provide training on the various truck types you may need to operate, such as counterbalance and reach forklifts: Look for providers offering training on a diverse range of truck types like counterbalance, reach, pallet, telehandler and order picker models.
Their courses should teach you to handle each forklift’s distinct controls, steering mechanisms, stability limits and manoeuvring techniques. This versatility will make you a more employable operator.
Relevant Training Environments
Opt for realistic on-site training at your workplace where possible, in addition to theory classes: On-site practical training enables instructors to assess and enhance your skills in the actual working environment. Driving within your own warehouse or work site helps build familiarity with any unique spatial constraints or hazards. Supplement this with classroom theory learning to fully understand regulations and safety principles.
As one of Manchester’s most trusted forklift training providers, TAG Forklifts ticks all these boxes. Our RTITB forklift trainer has access to a range of environments, including interior warehouse spaces and external construction sites.
Invest Time in Thorough Training
Once you’ve chosen a provider, fully dedicate yourself during the training process. This includes:
- Giving classroom theory your full attention to absorb the knowledge: Don’t just turn up, switch off and daydream during the classroom sessions. Stay engaged, take detailed notes and ask questions to deepen your understanding of legislation, components, maintenance, fuel handling and more. This knowledge could save your life.
- Asking questions – there are no silly questions when it comes to safety: Good instructors want you to speak up whenever unsure about something. Even seemingly obvious queries help reinforce concepts. Safety is not the time for embarrassment – ask away!
- Practising manoeuvres repeatedly under supervision to build muscle memory: Repetition during practical training is key to cementing safe operating reflexes and skills like smoothly changing direction, reversing around corners or lifting loads. Having an instructor provide feedback helps fine-tune techniques.
- Not rushing – take your time to become truly comfortable handling forklifts: Don’t feel pressured to speed through the practical sessions. Take things slowly and progressively build up your speed, confidence and competence. Rushing risks forming bad habits.
- Completing all assigned reading and activities outside training hours: Quality courses assign supplementary reading on standards and procedures to boost knowledge retention. Completing these homework tasks shows commitment to becoming a diligent operator.
Thorough training is the platform for exam success.
Prepare Well for Your Tests
All operators must pass a licence test comprising:
- A written theory exam on topics like legislation, safety, fuel handling etc.
- A practical test observed by an assessor as you handle a forklift and loads.
As part of your preparation for the forklift licensing test, to have the best chance of passing we’d recommend you:
Revision
Revise thoroughly prior to your test date. Many providers offer mock exams: Rigorously revising your course materials is key to passing the written theory assessment. Test yourself by writing up chapter summaries from memory, creating flashcards and taking practice tests. Replicate exam conditions during your revision.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Get plenty of rest the night before your test: Arriving well-rested optimises mental sharpness during your test. Clock at least 8 hours of sleep so you are energised and focused.
Hydrate!
Have a healthy meal and hydrate before arriving: Eat a balanced meal rich in protein, complex carbs and vitamins to provide sustained energy. Stay well hydrated to aid concentration. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar which can cause crashes.
Listen Carefully
Follow all instructions during the test carefully: Listen closely to the assessor, read each question thoroughly and avoid careless mistakes during the practical test by following their orders precisely while operating the forklift.
Solid preparation leads to first-time passes for most motivated trainees.
Invest in Further Professional Development
Even once licensed, continue developing your forklift operator skills.
Refresher Courses
Undertake refresher courses annually to reinforce good habits: Even experienced operators should complete refresher training regularly, as recommended by NPORS and RTITB. This helps reinforce positive practices before bad habits set in. Refreshers boost long-term safety.
Study New Forklift Categories
Add new forklift categories to broaden your operating scope: Expand your skill set by getting licensed on additional truck types like telehandlers or agile pallet trucks. This versatility makes you an asset to employers.
Keep Up to Date on Forklift Industry Regulations
Stay up to date on evolving industry regulations and technologies: Forklift safety practices, technologies and legal requirements change over time. Actively stay current by reading industry publications and taking additional training courses.
Ongoing improvement ensures you operate safely long-term and expand your career opportunities.
In summary, work with a trusted provider, dedicate time to intensive training, prepare rigorously for tests, and invest in ongoing development. Follow this advice and you’ll join the ranks of certified operators in no time. Ready to get started? Contact TAG Forklifts today on 0161 848 0555.