Forklift driver

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

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:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through a supply chain warehouse operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• 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
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with your hands
• sensitivity and understanding
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Forklift drivers load and unload goods in warehouses, ports and airports.

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

Location : You could work at a port, on a construction site, at an airport, in a warehouse or in a factory.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

44 - 46 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

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).