A forklift truck driver plays an essential role in ensuring the smooth running of warehouses, depots and yards. Their main role is to transport goods between different locations.
The majority of employers of forklift truck operators take on staff with no previous experience, providing they possess of a valid forklift truck driving licence or are willing to commit to a training course. As with any job, previous experience of driving forklift trucks is helpful. It may be possible for young people to enter into forklift driving jobs through an apprenticeship in warehousing and distribution.
Once in employment, forklift drivers lacking a forklift driving licence must complete an approved forklift truck driving training course. The minimum age to enrol on a training course is 16.
There is a high demand for trained forklift truck operators due to the number of companies that require their skills. For those wishing to enter into forklift driving jobs, recruitment agencies are a good place to start. Temporary jobs are common in this industry, but may lead to permanent opportunities.
New entrants to forklift truck driving jobs receive salaries of around £11,000 a year. Experienced workers may progress into team leader or management roles. Alternatively, they may study for forklift truck instructor training courses and become forklift truck driving instructors. Opportunities for progression are therefore plentiful and more experienced staff can earn salaries of up to £21,000 a year.