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How to become a Forklift Driver

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Forklift Driver jobs

254

Forklift Driver courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Forklift Driver

Forklift Driver

| Up to £20,000

Construction Plant Operator

| Up to £28,000

LGV Driver

| Up to £35,000

The role of a Forklift Driver

What does a Forklift Driver do?

Driving for a career that keeps you moving? You should become a Forklift Driver…

Forklift Drivers use forklift trucks, clamp trucks, and other equipment to transport, stack, and count heavy goods.

They’re responsible for loading, unloading, and storing deliveries safely and securely, as well as moving products around a warehouse, depot, yard, or airport. They also prepare deliveries to confirm they’re ready for the next stage of production – whether it’s through passing them onto a packing department, or transporting them to another vehicle.

Other duties for a Forklift Driver generally include:

Loading goods onto pallets safely and securely
Lifting and moving pallets, using the forklift
Storing merchandise in the correct bays
Carrying out safety checks and performing minor maintenance on trucks
Maintaining a clean and tidy work environment
Checking merchandise to ensure it adheres to quality control standards

Is a career as a Forklift Driver right for me?

Excellent coordination and estimation skills, especially when dealing with aspects such as distances, weights, and heights, is essential for anyone looking to become a Forklift Driver. If you’re nervous behind a wheel (and/or a forklift), this job probably isn’t for you.

Because of the potentially dangerous nature of the job, you’ll also need to be able to adhere to health and safety regulations, and maintain a high level of concentration at all times.

Speed, efficiency, and an ability to work well under pressure, is equally vital.

Key skills for a Forklift Driver will also generally include:

Good at working in a team
A fast learner
Responsible
Adaptable
An excellent organiser
Aware of production standards
Able to keep records and report problems

What's it like to be a Forklift Driver?

"I work as a Forklift Driver for a food manufacturing company, and I really enjoy it. I’ve always been interested in doing something practical, where I can utilise my physical ability and keep busy – and this role definitely allows me to do this. It can be stressful when we have a lot of deliveries coming in and deadlines to meet, but this is where having a close-knit team really pays off. I find that even in these situations, we’ll group together to get things done. It’s also possible that my obsession with collecting toy trucks as a kid may have also had a slight influence on my career choice…"

Get qualified as a Forklift Driver

You'll need to carry out formal forklift training in order to become a Forklift Driver. These courses cover various aspects of forklift operation, including pre-use checks, maneuvering, loading and unloading procedures, and health and safety regulations. Some employers may also require candidates to have National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) or equivalent qualifications in Warehousing and Storage Operations.

Recommended Forklift courses

Forklift Training - Online Course - CPD Accredited

Cambridge Open Academy

5-in-1 Bundle | CPD Accredited | Interactive Learning Materials | Free PDF Certificate | Tutor Support | Lifetime Access
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**5 in 1 Forklift Training - Online Course - CPD Accredited bundle** The Forklift Training - Online Course - CPD Accredited Bundle is designed to provide essential skills and knowledge for safe forklift operation. Covering critical topics such as forklift types, safe handling of …
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Manual Handling Training with Forklift & Rigging Safety

Training Express Ltd

CPD Accredited| IoH Endorsed | Free & Hardcopy Certificates | British safety council & IIRSM Approved |Lifetime Access
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- 290 students
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- 8 hours · Self-paced
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- 30 CPD points
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✩ Trusted by Over 10K Business Partners & 1 Million Students Around the World! ✩ ***Special Offer for TODAY: Get FREE Forklift & Rigging Safety Courses with Certificates*** Keeping a focus on moving and Handling the HSE is conducting construction site inspections. Take ou …
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