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Forklift driver
Forklift operator, forklift truck driver
Forklift drivers load and unload goods in warehouses, ports and airports.
Average salary (a year)
£17000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
44.0 to 46.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
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You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include the Level 2 Award or Certificate in Forklift Truck Operations.
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You can get into this role through a supply chain warehouse operative intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs. Some employers may ask for GCSEs, including English and maths.
You'll have an advantage if you've got a forklift training certificate, though your employer may put you through training to get one when you start work.
Experience of loading and unloading goods and materials in a warehouse, in freight transport or on a building site would be useful.
More Information
Registrations
you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Career Tips
Make sure you get a copy of your forklift training certificate so you can use it for job applications. Unlike a driving licence, no forklift licence is issued.
Further Information
You can find out more about working as a forklift driver in construction from
Go Construct.
You can find details of approved forklift training providers through the Accrediting Bodies Association - Workplace Transport.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
Physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
To be thorough and pay attention to detail
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
Ambition and a desire to succeed
The ability to work well with others
Knowledge of public safety and security
Concentration skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Day to day tasks
In this role you could
check equipment daily and use it safely, load and unload goods from lorries, ships or aircraft, use radio frequency equipment to keep in touch with other staff, manually handle goods when necessary, stack goods and move them around in storage bays, pick and pack orders, complete paperwork for delivery notes and stock control
check equipment daily and use it safely, load and unload goods from lorries, ships or aircraft, use radio frequency equipment to keep in touch with other staff, manually handle goods when necessary, stack goods and move them around in storage bays, pick and pack orders, complete paperwork for delivery notes and stock control
Working environment
You could work at a port, on a construction site, at an airport, in a warehouse or in a factory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
With experience, you could become a shift supervisor or team leader. With further training, you could work as a forklift instructor or maintenance engineer.
You could also become a warehouse manager.
You could move into industries like construction (construction plant operator) or logistics (lorry driver).
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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