Forklift driver
Forklift drivers move, load and unload goods in warehouses, depots, ports and airports.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a forklift driver, you would:
- carry out safety checks on equipment at the start of a shift
- load and unload goods from lorries, ships or aircraft
- use radio equipment to keep in touch with other staff on site
- move and stack goods in storage bays
- pick and pack orders
- complete paperwork for delivery notes and stock control
Working environment
You could work in a warehouse, on a construction site, at a port, at an airport or in a factory.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
Your employer may put you through training to operate other types of lifting equipment like telescopic handlers.
With experience and further training, you could become a:
- shift supervisor, team leader or warehouse manager
- forklift driver instructor
- maintenance engineer
You could also move into other industries, like construction, and train to be a plant operator, or logistics, to work as an HGV driver.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- concentration skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You could do a forklift truck operations training course at a college, which would teach you some of the skills you need in this job.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to do a Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You should check with the company you apply to whether their apprenticeship includes forklift training.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
You can apply directly for jobs. Some employers may ask for GCSEs, including English and maths.
You'll have an advantage if you've completed forklift training, though your employer may put you through training when you start work.
Experience of loading and unloading goods and materials in a warehouse, in freight transport or on a building site would be useful.
Registration
- you'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site
Career tips
Make sure you get a copy of your forklift training completion certificate so you can use it for job applications. Unlike a driving licence, there is no forklift licence as such, though some job adverts may refer to the completion certificate as a 'licence'.
Further information
You can find out more about working as a forklift driver in construction from Go Construct.
You can find details of approved forklift training providers through the Accrediting Bodies Association - Workplace Transport.
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.