Refresher Forklift & Reach Truck Training at The Garlic Farm – Keeping Skills Sharp on the Isle of Wight

On-site forklift and reach truck refresher training for staff at The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight.

TL;DR – Forklift & Reach Truck Refresher at The Garlic Farm

• Refresher training keeps experienced operators confident, safe and up to date.
• Courses were delivered on-site using The Garlic Farm’s own equipment.
• Training covered safe use of both counterbalance and reach trucks.
• Will, Feras and Valetin each successfully refreshed their skills.
• Wight Training Services provides accredited, practical training across the Isle of Wight.

At The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight, the unmistakable aroma of garlic is matched only by the drive for excellence and safety in every corner of their operations.

With a rich history rooted in three generations of garlic growing, it's no surprise this family-run business is just as committed to upholding best practice in workplace safety as they are to producing their signature black garlic beer or garlicky chutneys.

This week, Wight Training Services had the pleasure of delivering refresher training in both counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks for three valued team members: Will, Feras and Valetin.

Why Refresher Training Matters

Operating a forklift may become second nature over time—but even the most experienced operators benefit from brushing up their skills. ITSSAR guidelines recommend refresher training every 3 to 5 years, and it’s easy to see why.

Regular updates help:

• Reinforce safe operating habits
• Reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace
• Keep staff confident and compliant
• Introduce changes in legislation or equipment



In short, refresher courses ensure that daily forklift use doesn’t drift into complacency—a key concern in fast-paced warehouse environments like The Garlic Farm’s busy packing and storage areas.

Training on Familiar Ground

One of the advantages of Wight Training Services is our on-site approach. By training on the farm using their own equipment, Will, Feras and Valetin were able to develop and refine their skills in a setting that closely mirrors their daily work. This practical, scenario-based method not only builds confidence but saves time and money compared to off-site courses.+

The Equipment: Counterbalance Forklift & Reach Truck

During the training session, the team worked with two types of lift trucks:

• Counterbalance Forklift (TCM 18): A workhorse in many warehouses, the counterbalance is ideal for straightforward lifting, loading and moving across even ground. Its simple design and rear-weighted balance make it excellent for handling palletised goods.
• Reach Truck (BT): Designed for tight indoor spaces and racking systems, the reach truck is engineered for maximum manoeuvrability. Its extended mast and ability to ‘reach’ into racking allow operators to stack high and deep with precision. Perfect for The Garlic Farm’s vertical pallet storage.

Our refresher training covered key areas such as:

• Pre-use inspection and safety checks
• Manoeuvring in confined spaces
• Accurate pallet handling at height
• Stability and load centre awareness
• Safe parking and shutdown procedures

Wight Training Services – Local Knowledge, National Standards

Led by experienced instructor Tim Benton, Wight Training Services delivers ITSSAR-accredited training across the Isle of Wight. Whether it’s a full novice course, conversion training, or a refresher session like this one, we ensure every operator receives quality, practical instruction tailored to their working environment.

To find out more about our forklift training, reach truck courses or any other workplace safety support, get in touch today. We offer flexible scheduling and competitive prices—ideal for Island businesses like The Garlic Farm looking to keep their teams safe, skilled and compliant.

Need a forklift course near you?
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