Do My Staff Need a Forklift Certificate? A Straightforward Guide for Isle of Wight Employers

Tim Benton • April 3, 2025
  1. There’s no such thing as a 'licence', but a forklift certificate is required under UK law.
  2. All forklift operators must be properly trained, whether novice or experienced.
  3. Accredited forklift training proves compliance with HSE and reduces liability.
  4. You can choose between accredited and “in-house” training, depending on your business needs.
  5. Wight Training Services offers on-site forklift training across the Isle of Wight—tailored to your workplace.
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What every employer should know about forklift licences, legal compliance, and keeping your team safe on-site.

Do My Staff Need a Forklift Certificate?

If you’ve got forklifts operating in your warehouse, yard, or site, you might be wondering: “Do my team legally need a forklift licence?” It’s a question I get asked a lot here at Wight Training Services, and the answer is simple—yes, training is a legal requirement, but it’s not called a licence in the traditional sense.

Let me explain.


There’s No Forklift “Licence” – But There IS a Legal Requirement

Under UK law, there’s no official government-issued forklift licence. Instead, what’s required is adequate training and proof of competence to operate a forklift truck safely. That proof comes in the form of a forklift certificate, which shows the operator has completed an approved course and passed both practical and theory assessments.

“Think of the forklift certificate like a driving test pass for your workplace,” says Tim Benton, owner of Wight Training Services. “It shows they’ve been trained properly and are safe to operate equipment.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires all employers to make sure their operators are competent and trained. If something goes wrong, and you don’t have proof of training, it could land you in serious trouble—not just financially, but legally too.

What Kind of Training Do My Staff Need?

We offer a wide range of forklift training across the Isle of Wight, including:

  • Counterbalance forklift training
  • Reach truck courses
  • Flexi/Bendi forklift
  • Powered Pallet Trucks (PPT)
  • Telehandlers and Moffetts

Whether your team are novices, need a refresher, or want to convert from one type of truck to another, we’ve got you covered.

Our courses are delivered on-site, using your own equipment. That means your team trains in the environment they’ll actually work in—something that’s proven to speed up confidence and competence.

What’s the Difference Between Accredited and In-House Training?

At Wight Training Services, we provide both:

  • Accredited forklift training (via ITSSAR, affiliated with the ABA)
    Ideal if you need formal certification that’s recognised nationally and meets the highest industry standards.
  • In-House training
    A more budget-friendly option that still meets HSE requirements—but the certificate is valid only within your organisation.
“If your team only operates forklifts on your site, in-house training might be all you need,” Tim explains. “But if they’re moving between sites or contractors, accredited training gives them recognised credentials.”

Don’t Leave It to Chance

Making sure your staff are trained properly isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about keeping people safe, reducing the risk of accidents, and staying compliant with UK law.


Need help choosing the right forklift course for your team? Give me a call or drop me an email—I'm always happy to talk through your options.

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