Booms, Boards and Big Gigs: Lee’s Telehandler Tune-Up with Tim

Tim Benton • May 29, 2025

Experienced J3 Telehandler training with Wight Training Services helps festival crews like Lee stay sharp, safe and site-ready.

Quick Take:

  • Live Nation’s Lee Khassal took part in an Experienced J3 Telehandler course.
  • Delivered by Tim Benton of Wight Training Services at the Isle of Wight Festival site.
  • Course focused on rough terrain telescopic handlers with booms over 9m.
  • Combined theory, practical, and safety refreshers tailored for experienced operators.
  • Essential prep ahead of a busy summer of festivals across the UK.

As festival season kicks into gear, there’s no time for rusty skills—especially when you’re working with serious kit like a J3 Telehandler. Just ask Lee Khassal from Live Nation, who recently took a break from gig logistics to sharpen up his telehandler know-how with Wight Training Services.


Lee, who works on shows and events across the country with Live Nation—the global leader in live entertainment—was back on the Isle of Wight, this time not for the music, but for a bit of machine mastery. The venue? The Isle of Wight Festival site itself. The instructor? None other than Tim Benton, our very own island-based training pro with over 15 years of FLT and plant training under his belt.

The Experienced J3 Telehandler course is built for operators like Lee—folks who’ve already clocked plenty of time behind the wheel, but need to stay current with best practices, safety regs and hands-on assessments. It covers everything from the latest legal requirements to machine stability, safe loading, hydraulic checks, and handling rough terrain with booms over 9 metres.


With a SANY telehandler on site, Lee got to grips with both the theory and practical elements, topping up his skills and ticking off compliance in one go. The course included a thorough refresher, an up-to-date theory test, and a practical assessment to make sure every box was ticked before heading back out to build the next big stage.


Having real-world training on the equipment you use every day is key,” says Tim. “And it’s always a bonus when we’re doing it on such a picturesque site—though we’re not here for the backstage passes!”

For Lee and the rest of the Live Nation crew, this is all part of the behind-the-scenes effort that makes the magic happen—from stacked stages to safe operations.


Whether you’re festival crew, site manager or just someone who wants to be boom-lift brilliant—Wight Training Services has the course for you!

Share this article →

A man is driving a forklift in a warehouse filled with wooden crates
By Tim Benton July 3, 2025
Luke and Tim from John Knox Farms got ahead of the harvest rush with a B1 forklift refresher, keeping skills sharp and safety top notch – just in time to shift spuds and stay on track.
A man is driving a yellow forklift in a parking lot.
By Tim Benton June 25, 2025
AA Coombes in Bembridge took the smart route with “In House” B1 Experienced forklift training, using their own gear, in their own yard – getting the job done with minimal fuss and maximum value.
A man is driving a forklift in a warehouse.
By Tim Benton June 17, 2025
Three team members at The Garlic Farm—Will, Feras and Valetin—recently completed a refresher forklift and reach truck course with Wight Training Services. Training on their own machines helped sharpen skills, boost safety and ensure they're fully up to speed.
A red and yellow forklift is loading a stack of shipping containers.
By Tim Benton May 26, 2025
After May’s training sessions at the Isle of Wight Festival site, Tim Benton returned to deliver more expert forklift training—this time for Chanel and Connor Price of Paul Price Events. Another successful day of lifting, laughing, and learning in the sun!
A forklift is being used to lift some pallets in a field.
By Tim Benton May 15, 2025
As the Isle of Wight Festival 2025 build begins, Wight Training Services has been on site delivering telehandler refresher training for Paul Price Events – ensuring safety, efficiency, and full compliance before the first tent peg goes in.
A man is driving a forklift in a warehouse.
By Tim Benton April 3, 2025
Not sure whether your staff need a forklift licence? If you're operating forklifts on the Isle of Wight, this guide explains the legal requirements, training options, and how to ensure your team is safe, competent, and compliant with HSE standards.
A blue and white lift is parked in a parking garage.
By Tim Benton March 12, 2025
New ABA testing standards for MEWP training will be mandatory from November 2025. These changes ensure operators are better prepared, with a stronger focus on safety, inspections, and real-world skills. Here’s what employers on the Isle of Wight need to know.
A green crane is parked in a muddy field.
By Tim Benton February 4, 2025
Looking for practical, cost-effective training that fits your business? On-site training with Wight Training Services brings expert instruction directly to your workplace—tailored to your environment, reducing downtime, and boosting safety where it matters most. Discover the smarter way to train.