Plenty of experience – now for the forklift ticket
Another couple of experienced operators put through their paces, and this time it was Stuart and Ted from Staples Vegetables completing their experienced forklift training.
The photos give you a pretty good idea of what I like about delivering training on-site. We’re not working in an artificial training centre with equipment the operators may never see again. We’re in the actual workplace, using the forklift and working around the sort of environment Stuart and Ted encounter as part of the job.
For experienced operators, that makes a lot of sense.
Putting existing forklift skills to the test
An experienced
forklift training course is designed for operators who already have genuine experience using a lift truck but need to demonstrate that they can operate safely and competently.
It isn’t simply a case of saying, “I’ve been driving one for years, so I know what I’m doing.”
Experience is valuable, but operators still need to demonstrate good habits, proper observations and safe control of the truck.
During the training, we can look at everything from pre-use checks and general operation through to manoeuvring, load handling and positioning the truck accurately.
And, as the pallets in the photos demonstrate, there’s always room for a bit of manoeuvring practice!
“With experienced operators, I’m not teaching them how to drive from scratch. I’m making sure that experience is backed up by safe working practices and good habits.” — Tim Benton
Training in a real agricultural workplace
Staples Vegetables has an interesting story of its own.
The company is a
family-run business with more than 60 years of history, growing fresh produce across farms in Lincolnshire, Suffolk and here on the
Isle of Wight. Operating in different climatic areas of the UK helps the business maximise its growing seasons.
Staples says its long-term approach includes investment in farms and factories, alongside an integrated production system designed to deliver quality, availability and efficiency. The company also grows a range of organic vegetables in the UK.
Find out more about Staples Vegetables
For a business handling produce, pallets and materials, forklift trucks are an important part of keeping things moving – which means having competent operators matters too.
Why I like delivering forklift training on-site
This course is also a good example of why I offer training at the customer’s premises wherever possible.
Stuart and Ted are using a
counterbalance forklift truck in their own workplace. They’re familiar with the surroundings, and the training can reflect the practical challenges they are likely to face at work.
There’s less disruption for the employer, no need to send staff away to a separate training centre, and the operators get meaningful time on the type of equipment they actually use.
It keeps things practical – which is exactly how I like my courses.
Another two experienced operators sorted
Well done to
Stuart and Ted for getting stuck in and completing their experienced forklift training.
It’s always enjoyable working with people who already know their way around a machine. My job is to make sure that existing experience translates into safe, controlled and competent operation.
Thanks as well to the team at Staples Vegetables for having me on-site.
Two more forklift tickets sorted!
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