Forklift training is an essential part of ensuring workplace safety and operational efficiency for anyone who needs to operate a forklift. If you’re planning to complete training in the UK, this guide will provide you with all the key details you need, including what you’ll learn during the training, how long it takes, and how much forklift truck training costs. Whether you’re considering forklift training in London, looking for free training for unemployed individuals, or curious about the price for licence in the UK, this blog will answer all your questions.
What’s Taught in Forklift Training?
UK forklift training programs are designed to ensure that operators can handle forklifts safely and effectively while following strict health and safety guidelines. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced operator, the training will cover a variety of essential topics:
- Health and Safety Awareness
- Learn your legal responsibilities as a forklift operator.
- Identify workplace hazards.
- Master safe loading and unloading procedures.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
- Conduct risk assessments and follow safe operating procedures.
- Forklift Operation Fundamentals
- Perform pre-use inspections of forklifts.
- Use controls properly and operate forklifts safely.
- Understand load capacity, stability, and weight distribution.
- Maneuver forklifts in tight spaces and handle different load types.
- Safely stack and de-stack loads.
- Specific Forklift Skills
- Move goods in various environments, such as indoors, outdoors, or on ramps.
- Operate different types of forklifts like reach trucks, telehandlers, and rough terrain models.
- Navigate hazards like uneven ground, tight spaces, or crowded areas.
- Handle forklifts efficiently when dealing with different load sizes.
- Emergency Procedures
- Know what to do in case of a forklift accident or mechanical failure.
- Follow emergency shutdown and evacuation protocols.
- Handle dangerous situations like forklift tipping or collisions.
- Theory and Practical Assessment
- Attend theoretical lessons on health and safety, forklift mechanics, and legal responsibilities.
- Participate in practical driving lessons with on-the-job training in various environments.
- Complete assessments through written exams and practical tests to ensure your competency.
Duration of Forklift Training
The training duration in the UK depends on your experience level. Here’s what you can expect:
- Novice Operators
If you’re new to operating forklifts, you’ll complete the training in around 3 to 5 days. This includes both classroom theory and practical hands-on experience with a forklift truck. - Experienced Operators (Refresher Courses)
If you already have experience but need to refresh your skills or renew your licence, the training usually takes around 1 to 2 days. This course focuses on safety updates and operational fine-tuning. - Specialist Training
If you need to operate specific types of forklifts, such as reach trucks or rough terrain models, expect the specialist truck training to take from 2 to 5 days, depending on the complexity of the machinery.
Cost of Forklift Training in the UK
The cost of training varies based on the type of training, location, and specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for training costs:
- Novice Training
The price for forklift licence for beginners typically ranges from £250 to £600 per person. This price covers both the theory and practical components of the training. - Refresher Courses
If you need to renew your licence or refresh your skills, forklift truck training costs typically range from £150 to £250 for a one- or two-day course. - Specialist Forklift Training
If you want to train on more specialized equipment, such as reach trucks, rough terrain forklifts, or articulated trucks, you’ll likely pay anywhere from £400 to £700 for a comprehensive course. - Forklift Training London
If you live in London, the cost for training in London might be slightly higher due to travel costs and regional differences. Prices in London training generally range from £350 to £650 for full novice courses. - Free Forklift Training
If you’re currently unemployed, you might qualify for training free through government-funded programs or training for unemployed free schemes provided by the Jobcentre. Many providers also offer funding options for eligible individuals.
Forklift Licence and Certification
After completing your training, you will receive a forklift truck licence. The most common certifications in the UK come from recognized bodies like RTITB, ITSSAR, or CITB. This certification is valid for 3 to 5 years, after which you’ll need to take a refresher course to keep your skills and knowledge up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Operating a forklift might be challenging for beginners, but with proper training you’ll quickly become comfortable with handling the machine.
The difficulty of training depends on your prior experience. However, most people find it straightforward, especially with hands-on training provided by accredited instructors.
Most new operators start with a counterbalance forklift licence, which is the most common type. From there, you can move on to training for other types of forklifts, like reach trucks or pallet trucks.
Yes, trained forklift drivers are in high demand across various industries in the UK, including warehousing, construction, and logistics. Completing training opens up a wide range of employment opportunities.
In most cases, you do not need a CSCS card to drive a forklift, but some construction sites may require it as part of their safety regulations.
If you’re unemployed, the Jobcentre may offer financial assistance for training free through government-funded schemes.
No, you cannot legally drive a forklift without proper training. You must complete accredited forklift truck training to operate a forklift.
Yes, obtaining a forklift licence opens up many job opportunities, particularly in logistics, warehousing, and other industries that rely heavily on forklift operators.
You need to complete accredited training and pass both a theoretical exam and a practical driving test to earn your FLT licence.
Training typically takes 1 to 5 days, depending on whether you’re a novice, need a refresher, or require specialist forklift training.
Conclusion
Forklift training is an essential investment if you want to operate forklifts safely and effectively in the UK. Whether you’re interested in training in London, looking for free training for unemployed individuals, or curious about forklift truck training costs, there are plenty of options available. By completing your training for forklift, you will gain the qualifications needed to pursue a safe and rewarding career as a forklift operator, while ensuring compliance with UK regulations.
Forklift Training London
If you want to find broker free FLT training providers near your area in UK, you can use our locator to find out.