Becoming a forklift operator is a great way to enter the warehousing and logistics industry. You’ll get to learn the principles of warehousing that could unlock future opportunities within the industry.
What’s more, many UK-based courses are eligible for government funding, meaning you can obtain your forklift licence free of charge. Many training institutions also provide placement support, securing job interviews or opportunities for you.
Whether you’re looking for an introduction to the topic, a forklift training safety course, or a comprehensive licensing course, here are ten viable options to get a start as a forklift operator.
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Access our comprehensive library of free courses today1. Forklift Safety Training Course
Forklifts are undoubtedly dangerous machinery, and workplace accidents do happen. Therefore, safety is arguably the most important aspect of learning how to operate a forklift. This short forklift training course focuses on the safety aspects of operation and maintenance. The course lasts for under an hour and covers various important topics.
Scope:
- Forklift hazards and risk mitigation
- Pre-operational checks
- Safe operating techniques
- Maintenance and repair procedures
Cost: Free
2. Wallace Forklift Training
Wallace Forklift Training offers three separate forklift operator certificate courses. These are for the counterbalance forklift, the flexi / bendi forklift, and the reach forklift. Combinations of these courses can be taken together, and refresher training is on offer as well.
Scope:
- Racking, stillages, and pallets
- Diverse loads, including unbalanced and 1-tonne loads
- Chicane, turning, and reversing in narrow aisle exercises
- Practical operation
Cost: £185 for refresher training per certificate, £895 for new certificates for all three forklift types.
3. OSHA Forklift Basic Safety
Another crucially important forklift safety course brought to you by OSHA Academy. This basic safety course includes a variety of topics to boost your forklift operator’s safety awareness, including principles of physics and operator safety rules.
Scope:
- Common types of forklift injuries
- Forklift safety features
- Basic load-lifting principles
- Forklift pre-inspection
Cost: Free
4. Telford College Forklift Licence
Telford College offers a forklift licence with additional value, with sub-topics that can contribute to a more effective workforce. Presented in the Telford area, this licence will qualify you to drive forklifts, as well as secure a job interview from a prospective employer in your area. Basic requirements are entry level 3 in Maths and English.
Scope:
- Forklift qualification
- Certificate in Customer Service
- Certificate in Warehousing
- Certificate in Lean Management
Cost: Free (Government funded – conditions apply)
5. Counterbalance Forklift Truck Licence
Kent Forklift Training offers a solid training program for inexperienced employees who have never operated a forklift. There are also refresher and conversion training options to this course. This program follows strict health and safety standards, and covers various training modules.
Scope:
- Operator safety and observation
- Pre-shift checks
- Defect reporting procedures
- Lift truck stability & more
Cost: Not disclosed
6. Forklift Certification Training Videos
The Forklift Certification Institute offers various free training videos covering various topics that are helpful to forklift operators and safety personnel. Videos such as basic forklift training, safety videos, and basic operation can offer a comprehensive overview useful for those deciding whether to become a forklift operator.
Scope:
- Forklift training
- Forklift operation
- Forklift safety training
- Forklift inspections & more
Cost: Free
7. South Coast Forklift Training
South Coast Forklift Training offers forklift training courses that allow you to become fully licensed to operate in the UK. This course focuses on the counterbalance forklift and includes theoretical and practical tests, as well as pre-inspection training and more.
Scope:
- Principles of operation
- Statutory requirements of operating a forklift
- Advanced steering exercises
- Stacking and de-stacking & more
Cost: Pricing not disclosed
8. Mentor Training Forklift Instructor Training
Mentor Training offers various forklift training courses. Their most notable forklift training course is the instructor training, which is open for candidates with at least 6 months of operating experience. This is a sound opportunity if you want to take your forklift operation to the next level.
Scope:
- Theoretical and practical training
- Relevant legislation coverage
- Training recommendations
- Instructional techniques
Cost: Pricing not disclosed
9. Telescopic Handler Course
The Construction Industry Training Board offers a forklift training course for those with little or no experience. The course equips future operators with the skills they need to handle and operate the Telescopic handler-type forklift.
Scope:
- Machine operation for all normal tasks
- Safety principles
- Routine servicing and maintenance
- Principles of operation
Cost: £1,550
10. Operate & Maintain Machinery in Construction Course
Many incidents and delays occur due to poor machinery handling or lack of maintenance knowledge. This course helps learners develop confidence in operating equipment that includes forklifts, excavators and cranes.
Scope:
- Safety Precautions For Machinery Operation
- Operating Construction Machinery
- Troubleshooting And Problem-Solving
- Best Practices For Efficiency And Safety
Cost: Free
Other Workplace Courses
If you’re looking for more courses related to the workplace, check out more of our curated lists:
- 10 Free Courses for Efficient Workers
- 10 Basic Career Improvement Courses
- Top 10 Equipment Courses
- 10 Best Incident Prevention Courses
