Forklift Training South Wales
Cost Effective
On-Site for Added Convenience
AITT Accredited Instructors
Excellent Pass Rates
Regional Coverage
On-Site Forklift Training Carried Out By Accredited Instructors
One of the many ancillary services we offer is forklift training (also known as a forklift licence or FLT licence) for operators which is carried out on-site by professionally accredited instructors. Although forklifts are an invaluable tool to many businesses and their operations, their associated risks are high. On average, 5 workers in the UK are seriously injured by accidents involving forklifts in the workplace.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all operators of forklifts and material handling equipment are adequately trained in the safe usage of such machinery. We can organize training that covers a wide range of forklifts, material handling and access equipment for all levels of users (complete novices, refresher, and conversion courses). As well as operator training, we can also organize instructor training.
We offer forklift training on the following types of material handling equipment
- Counterbalance Forklifts
- Side Loaders
- Multi Directional Forklifts
- Very Narrow Aisle Forklifts
- Rough Terrain Forklifts (Masted & Telescopic)
- Truck Mounted Forklifts
- Reach Trucks
- Powered Pallet Trucks (Pedestrian & Ride On)
- Pedestrian Stackers (All Heights)
- Truck Mounted Hydraulic Loaders & Hi-Abs
- Order Pickers & Man Up Trucks
- Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (All Types)
- Gantry Overhead Cranes
- Instructor Training Courses
Types of Forklift Training Courses
Novice/Uncertified Operator Courses
Novice forklift training is for operators who have little or no prior experience using a forklift truck. Out of all the courses, this is the longest owing to the amount of content that needs to be covered. Courses typically last between 3 and 4 days depending on the class size and the ability of the candidates.
On the other hand, an operator may have previous experience using a forklift but have never had any formal forklift training. The course will give them the necessary certification to be able to legally use a fork truck to carry out their duties at work. Generally, courses of this nature take around 2 days to complete.
Refresher Courses
Once you have obtained your initial certification, there is no legal requirement to undertake any fork truck additional training. However, the HSE guidelines recommend undergoing a forklift training refresher course every 3 years.
Be it to refresh your skills or keep up to date with ever-evolving rules and regulations, employers and operators alike should give serious consideration to refresher training and the recommended intervals to manage workplace risks involving forklift trucks. If a workplace accident involving a fork truck should occur, the authorities will look at the last time the operator received refresher training.
Refresher courses are the shortest of all the courses and take one day to complete on average.
Conversion Courses
The fork truck conversion course is aimed at candidates who have already undergone forklift training in one category but wish to also be certified in another category. For example, an operator with the credentials to operate a counterbalance may wish to attain additional certification to operate larger counterbalance forklifts or VNA trucks.
Depending on class sizes, these courses take between 1 and 2 days on average. The content covered includes an introduction to the controls and instruments of the new truck, an assessment of the operator’s skills, carrying out pre-use checks as well as the actual conversion training itself.
Instructor Training
The instructor course provides candidates with the skills necessary to provide forklift training certify forklift operators to safely work with a fork truck or other material handling equipment in the workplace. Once qualified as an instructor, you will be able to instruct on any type of forklift that you are already certified to operate. For companies with regular training requirements, this gives the flexibility to conduct training when convenient.
There are two different types of instructor courses. Non-accredited in-house instructor courses will allow you to train operators within your own workplace. Although non-accredited, the courses comply with the approved code of practice published by the HSE. In-house courses are completed over 5 days.
Accredited courses allow to you become a fork truck instructor accredited by a body such as AITT. This route is also ideal for those wishing to make a living as an instructor. These courses run for 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a forklift license or FLT Licence?
Technically, there is no such thing as an actual forklift licence or FLT licence in the same sense as a driver’s license. However, forklift training is mandatory to operate a forklift safely and legally. You will receive a certificate outlining your qualifications at the end of your course.
What are the benefits of on-site training?
On-site training allows operators to become familiar with the fork truck they will be using on a day-to-day basis, they will gain experience handling the types of loads they will encounter every day and it will allow them to become familiar with their work environment as they train.
What is the maximum class size?
To provide the best possible training experience and for the candidates to receive personalized attention, class sizes are restricted to 3 candidates.
How old do I need to be to undertake a forklift training course?
You can obtain your forklift certification when you’re 16 years old or 18 years old if operating a fork truck in a port.
Do I need a driving license to become certified to operate a forklift?
As long as you’re not planning to operate the forklift on a public highway, there is no need to possess a driver’s license.
Will I need to undergo a medical to join a forklift training course?
There is no current legislation that requires a medical for operating a fork truck. However, there are certain standards to be met by the Driver’s Medical Unit at the DVLA.
Forklift Training Near Me
For more information on any of our forklift training or instructor training courses, call our friendly sales team on 01685 848125 or email sales@swequip.co.uk Alternatively, fill out our contact form here.