{"id":1277,"date":"2017-01-30T17:47:27","date_gmt":"2017-01-30T07:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/?p=1277"},"modified":"2022-06-15T17:00:34","modified_gmt":"2022-06-15T07:00:34","slug":"the-basics-forklift-training-licencing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/the-basics-forklift-training-licencing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Basics: Forklift Training & Licencing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last year, Business Insider Australia reported that the demand for Forklift Drivers was growing at a rate of up to 33% nationwide, largely due to growing domestic and international shopping trends. With this trend in mind, now seems like better a time than any to undergo training for a Forklift Operation and High Risk Work Licence. This article will give you a step-by-step plan on how you can obtain the training and licenses for Forklift Operation.<\/p>\n

An advantage of pursuing a career or even simply obtaining a license for Forklift Operation is the diversity of work. Do a quick search on any job seeker website and you will find a field of positions for everything from a Forklift Operator at NIB Stadium to a Unit Supply Worker for the Australian Army Reserve. In most cases your tasks will be fast-paced, high-volume work and with the vast types of forklifts and extensions you\u2019re work environment is always subject to change. If this sounds appealing to you here\u2019s how to get started.<\/p>\n

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Training and Getting Started<\/h2>\n

First things first, you will need to enroll for a short course in Forklift Driver Training. When looking for schools of training, it\u2019s essential to make sure that the institution is recognised as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), this can normally be found on the institute’s website as a five-digit RTO number. \u00a0To be eligible for Forklift Operator Certification and High Risk Work License you must have studied at an RTO approved organisation.<\/p>\n

Another important factor to understand when applying for your license is the difference between LF (Forklift Truck) and LO (Load-Shifting Order Picker) licenses.<\/p>\n

For a basic LF license, operators with this license will be working in shifting loads in a sitting or standing position, normally only up or down. Operators with an LO license will be capable of using an Auto Picker, which as vastly different operation conditions to a standard Lift Truck. In an Auto Picker, the operator is harnessed, working at varying heights and are able to drive turret trucks.<\/p>\n

Depending on your required or sought area of work in the industry, you may only need one or you may need both. When training for your certificate, you can save a bit of money if you study both at the same time.<\/p>\n

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Certification and Courses<\/h2>\n

Regardless of which license you require, Lift Truck training courses normally run for three-straight days weekly, depending on your institution’s schedule, with the final day being an assessment day to pass the course.<\/p>\n

In most cases, for a three-day course that will leave you fully certified and assist you in applying for your High Risk Work License, you\u2019re looking to pay anywhere from $500-$700. Often times, it\u2019s good to check whether the institute allows a free make-up test if you fail your miss your exam, for most organisations, offering a cheaper initial fee can lead to expensive reexaminations costs.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, if you are required to obtain a Forklift Licence and your current situation may make it hard for you to attend 3 consecutive days of study, many trainers offer a 1 day induction course which goes over the basics of Forklift Operation. \u00a0From there you must complete 40 hour logbook, supervised by a person(s) who currently has a valid Forklift Operator Certification and High Risk Work license. In these circumstances your certification fees may be cheaper (around $400), although you still need to sit a test at your training institution once your logbook is complete, to obtain your license.<\/p>\n

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Certification and High Risk Work License<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve passed the Forklift Training test, you\u2019re institute of study can assist you in writing and lodging you application form for a High Risk Work License. Because a Forklift Truck is an industrial machine, all states require any operator to have a valid High Risk Work license and also have undergone training to operate them. From here, you are required to pay a $88.40 licence fee which will take upto 60 days to be sent to your postal address. It\u2019s important to check you are getting a nationally covered licence, that is valid every state. License are valid for 5 years at a time.<\/p>\n

From here your options of work are really up to you, whether you work in the expansive retail warehouses sorting shipments or packing cargo onto a C-130J Super Hercules for humanitarian efforts abroad, a certificate and license in Forklift Operation can stand out as a key role in the industry.<\/p>\n

For more information on how to apply, renew or add a class to your High Risk Work License, relevant to your state, visit one of the links below. <\/em><\/p>\n