Forklift – Lift Truck Skilled Operator

Note: Lift trucks are more commonly referred to as Forklifts.

Program Intent

To ensure the skilled lift truck operator has the basic knowledge and skills necessary to operate the machine and its attachment in a safe manner. This program provides the minimum requirements for the training of operators for lift truck and is intended to supplement a company’s larger Health & Safety Management System.
Topics include legislation relevant to the operation of their equipment, how the machines capacity and stability is affected while the machine is in use, as well as understanding the lift truck by reviewing the contents of the machine’s operator manual. Under the scrutiny of an evaluator, the skilled operator will then be called upon to demonstrate their ability to operate the lift truck in a safe and efficient manner through a series of driving and operating exercises. Upon successful completion of the program, operators receive a certificate valid for 3 years.

Job and/or familiarization training of operators for particular lift truck’s requiring special needs or specialized equipment and/or used in specific workplace environments are in addition to the basic training requirements of this program. Additional training may be required.

Who Should Attend?

Skilled operators who operate a lift truck as part of their work and are in need of certification.  A skilled operator is one who has at least 100 hours of recent experience operating a lift truck. For those that don’t meet the requirements of a skilled operator, we also offer a New Operator Training course.

Course Content

The course includes both a theory and practical section. The theory portion includes the following topics:

  • Workplace requirements
  • Safe operation of the machine
  • Contents of the machines operators manual
  • Written test

The practical portion includes demonstrating the ability to safely:

  • Manoeuvre the lift truck through a series of obstacles
  • Change attachments
  • Use the attachment

The practical assessment includes one test on a specific type of lift truck:

  • Either a Sit Down (Class I, IV,V) – Vertical Mast with counterbalance
  • OR Stand Up / Narrow Aisle (Class II)
  • OR Walk Behind / Electric Motor Hand (Class III)
  • For an additional fee, students may take an additional practical tests if they require certification on multiple types of lift trucks.

Course Duration: Theory portion is approximately 2-3 hours in length. Practical assessments take approximately 20-30 minutes each and vary based on each students experience level.

Note: Smaller class sizes may result in the student taking the theory in our computer lab with the instructor present to monitor and assist the student. Practical components will be taught in-person with the guidance and supervision of the instructor.

To view all upcoming courses and register online, please select course calendar.