Forklift Operator Training

At Budget Forktrucks, we always prioritise workplace safety by ensuring that every forklift operator is thoroughly trained. With over 44 years of experience, we understand just how crucial forklift trucks are for the efficient movement of goods. However, their operation can pose significant risks when they are not operated properly.

Why is Forklift Operator Training Important?

Operating a forklift might seem straightforward, but without proper training, it can lead to serious accidents. Tip-overs, falling loads, and collisions are all common incidents that can cause injuries and, tragically, even fatalities.

Our comprehensive forklift training equips your workforce with the skills and knowledge to operate material handling machinery safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with health and safety regulations. Whether they’re loading, unloading, or transporting goods, trained operators reduce the risk of accidents and help ensure a safer workplace.

A qualified forklift operator doesn’t just improve safety – they also increase productivity, move goods more reliably, and minimise costly downtime.

Elevate your Legal Compliance

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) are two sets of UK Health and Safety legislation. They place a legal duty on every employer to ensure that any person operating work equipment – such as forklifts – and their supervisors are properly trained and competent in its safe use, understand the potential risks and take the necessary precautions. This training should cover the specific methods for using the equipment and the health and safety measures to be taken.

PUWER is a broader regulation and covers all work equipment, mandating that the equipment must be suitable for the task, well-maintained, and used safely.

LOLER specifically applies to lifting equipment and its operation. It requires employers ensure that all operators are trained and competent to operate material handling machinery appropriate for the intended task.

Expert Operator Training Courses

Budget Forktrucks provide specialised operator training courses tailored to the unique characteristics and features of different material handling machinery.

Counterbalance Forklift Trucks utilise weight at the rear to counterbalance loads lifted at the front. Our training focuses on load balancing, manoeuvring in tight spaces, and safe operation during loading and unloading.

Reach Trucks excel at high-level stacking within the narrow aisles of warehouses. Our training adds focus to the stability considerations of their extendable forks and compact design.

Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks and Telehandlers carry all types of loads across the challenging uneven terrains. Our training focuses on maintaining stability for safe material handling whilst operating on different surfaces and in variable weather conditions.

Scissor Lift Platform and Cherry Picker courses ensure the safe and compliant operation of these Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), to provide your team with the skills to work at height while maintaining a secure environment.

Courses Matched to Operator Experience

Budget Forktrucks provide forklift operator training that supports the experience levels of every worker within your business. As industry specialists, we offer the flexibility to tailor each training course to meet the specific operational requirements and safety standards of your organisation.

Novice Courses for new recruits without any experience, covering everything to operate a forklift confidently and safely, including full compliance with legislation.

Experienced courses for competent operators who hold a ‘Forklift Truck Operator Licence’ or ‘Forklift Licence’, looking for further training that covers advanced operation of the machinery with the use of various attachments.

Refresher courses should be taken every 3 years to keep your operators compliant with all the latest forklift equipment and technology they may encounter in their working environment.

Conversion courses for experienced operators to use a different type of machine than they are already certified for, such as moving from a Counterbalance to a Rough Terrain Forklift.

Forklift Training Course Overview

Our forklift training is delivered by highly experienced instructors, fully accredited by the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) and the Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSAR). Every training course is divided into three stages:

Basic training: Provides the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to operate a forklift truck safely and efficiently.

Specific job training: Focuses on the knowledge and understanding of the operating principles and controls of the particular forklift truck to be used, as well as how it will be operated within the scope of the employee’s specific workplace.

Familiarisation training: Involves applying the skills and knowledge gained during Basic and Specific training in real working conditions. It must take place on the job, under close supervision, to ensure safe and competent operation.

The training structure typically includes classroom-based sessions covering the safety regulations and vehicle mechanics. This is followed by practical, hands-on instruction in starting, manoeuvring, load handling and stacking of materials. Every course concludes with a practical skills assessment and a theoretical knowledge test.

Upon successful completion of our forklift training courses, you will receive an industry-recognised Forklift Certification. This certification confirms you are qualified to operate a forklift safely and legally

Training at Your Premises or Ours

At Budget Forktrucks, we recommend conducting forklift operator training at your business premises. This approach offers several key benefits: operators are trained on the exact forklifts they will use during their workday, and our experienced instructors gain valuable insight into your specific operations. This allows us to tailor the training to your workplace, reinforcing the most relevant skills and safety practices.

The Budget Training Centre offers unrivalled facilities for training operators away from your premises. Off-site training is ideal for new operators without access to a machine, individuals requiring one-on-one instruction, refresher training on modern handling equipment, or conversion training on different equipment. Our centre is equipped with a fleet of machinery and staffed by the same experienced instructors.