Every employee operating a lift must undergo intensive training on the potential risks associated with such machinery. Are you looking to become an aspiring forklift operator? Then you’ve come to the right place. But before you choose a course, take a step back and consider the plethora of options available. This article will guide you in the decision-making process to assist you in choosing the right course based on your goals and/or needs.
The Importance of Being Certified
After understanding the global OSHA forklift certification’s importance and purpose and why certification is truly necessary, you are all set to decide on the curriculum that suits you. Without properly trained personnel, OSHA or other regulatory agencies such as the Northern California Forklift Advisory Committee for Lift Truck and Forklift Operator Train-The-Trainer programs in the US can become a liability, and in many cases, it is illegal to operate such equipment without proper training.
Not only that, but it’s essential to become a beneficial asset to an employer. It includes a reduction in workplace negligence, on-the-job accidents, and disregarding workplace guidelines, which quite frankly are a joy to overcome. Whatever you are looking for, whether it’s virtual or practical, there’s something out there that fits your requirements.
Step 1: Set Out Your Career Aims Clearly
The most important task before searching for the forklift certification course is to have an idea of which career you would like to pursue. Are you looking for basic training in forklift operation, or are you a seasoned operator looking to take up major roles such as trainer? Here are a few options to consider:
• Forklift Training Course For Beginners – These courses are aimed at operators who have never operated a fork truck and cover everything about operating and safety in a fork truck.
• Forklift Operator Advanced Training Courses – For those who have extensive experience operating various models or industry requirements for operating specific multi-purpose units, particular models and branches of these courses may be more suitable.
• Forklift Truck Instructor Certificate Course: This qualification enables a person who wants to teach how to operate a forklift to become a trainer rather easily.
Being able to delineate your goals will make the possibility of finding a suitable program easier and eliminate the chances of wasting funds on the wrong one.
Step 2: Decide on the Mode of Training – Online or Offline
In today’s world, most training providers offer online training thanks to the new technologies that have emerged on the market; understanding the pros and cons of taking an online course versus attending it in person can help you make up your mind.
Lift Truck Licence in a Virtual Class
• Pros
o According to your preference, you are allowed to learn in a way and manner that suits you best.
o In comparison to physical courses, these are, in my opinion, reasonably priced.
o A selection of materials and aids for study are made available.
• Cons
o Very few practical components are incorporated into the program.
o A one-time practical assessment may need to be conducted separately on-site.
Live Courses
• Pros
o In instructive and creative ways, students get the opportunity to use real forklifts.
o The instructor is present in the class.
o They may ask the instructor questions and receive answers immediately.
• Cons
o Training hours are not effective.
o Occasionally, in my opinion, it can be pricier than other options.
If one is confident that online training is necessary and independent studies suit them best, then apply for the online forklift certification program. However, if a student wishes to be hands-on and have real-life experiences with an instructor present, then there is a need to explore other options.
Step 3: Look for Accredited Firms
It cannot be assumed that all training programs are the same; hence the importance of an accredited and reputable firm. Such firms provide programs that are well-structured and recognized by employers and regulatory bodies.
When looking for such providers, the following need to be observed:
• Reputation: Has a history of good reviews and certificates from its former clients.
• Accreditation: The course can be proven to be OSHA-oriented or satisfactory to other local jurisdictions.
• Curriculum: The program indeed focuses on the critical areas of safety, handling of equipment, and hazards available in the workplace.
Additionally, such providers may also have advanced options, such as a forklift trainer certification course, for those who wish to further their qualifications.
Step 4: Course material
A thorough and complete forklift certification course should address both the theory and practice of operating a forklift. What should be our focus when looking at the content of the course?
Theoretical Training:
• Forklift basic operational principles.
• Safety policies and regulations.
• Maintenance of equipment and checks.
• Hazards associated with the workplace.
Practical Training:
• Practical usage of hands-on different models of the forklift.
• Techniques of loading and unloading goods.
• Driving in different surroundings.
• Emergency actions.
In case you are selecting an online course on forklift certification, make sure that the provider gives a guideline about the practical training part. Some of the courses collaborate with local centers to assist students with hands-on training.
Step 5: Assess Economic Feasibility and Worth
Though price is not the only thing to be the deciding factor, it is prudent to keep in mind your budget. It is advisable to check the prices charged by different programs and the services they offer in exchange for that price. For instance:
• Does the training program cover both theory and hands-on practice?
• Are materials and resources available for the course?
• Can learners take the same exam again at the determined time?
Sometimes, your employer might reimburse the expenditure incurred in obtaining the certification. Thus, it is preferable to approach your past or present employer before joining the course.
Step 6: Verify That There Are No Further Obligations
Most forklift certifications have to be renewed after a period of still three years. In this regard, when buying a course, it is important to know whether the organization makes it easier to get renewal programs. This means that in the future, less effort and time will be spent on the renewal of the program.
Step 7: Ask for Contacts
If you have no idea of what to do, ask your coworkers, your friends, or other people in the field for help. People who have done forklift certification classes already become aware of the ways of doing it and what providers are great.
Conclusion
Identifying the appropriate forklift certification course is an important consideration in progressing your career and workplace safety. Whether you want to undertake an online forklift certification course, attend a physical course, or specialize in forklift trainer certification, assess your options first.
By specifying your objectives, looking into accredited programs, and taking into account how much coursework you want and how much you can afford, you have a good chance of acquiring an appropriate program. So why wait, book a place in a forklift online course today and take the initial step towards becoming a licensed forklift operator or a trainer without any further delay.