Forklift Driver

A forklift driver is responsible for delivering, moving, loading and unloading a variety of goods in warehouses and on construction sites.

Onsite
Vehicles-Machinery
Secondary qualifications
Sporty-working with hands

What does a forklift driver do?

As a forklift driver, you will be responsible for the transportation of goods and pallets around a warehouse or building site.

The role of a forklift driver involves the following duties:

Loading and unloading materials from a variety of vehicles
Moving pallet-packed materials around the site or storage facility
Checking loads are secure
Performing equipment checks and basic maintenance
Following written instructions and keeping records
Adhering to health and safety regulations
Completing physical tasks quickly and accurately.

How to become a forklift driver

There are several routes to become a forklift driver. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship or apply to an employer directly.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College

You could complete a Level 2 Award or Certificate in Forklift Truck Operations to gain the necessary certificate to become a forklift driver.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a building supplier, warehousing or manufacturing company is a good way into the industry.

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship in supply chain warehouse operations to become a forklift driver.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a building supply company or off-site manufacturing company to gain experience as a forklift driver. Many companies offer training, so you may not need to have any prior qualifications.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a forklift driver. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a forklift driver include:

Good spatial awareness
Attention to detail
Ability to work well with others
Ability to operate and control equipment
Understanding of health and safety.

Qualifications

England

To become a forklift driver, you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ in Construction Plant Operations
Level 2 Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship

Scotland

To become a forklift driver, you could complete a:

SVQ at SCQF Level 5 & Level 6 in Plant Operations - where you would normally learn one piece of plant equipment such as an excavator
Modern Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 5 & Level 6 (Plant Operations) where you would normally train on one piece of equipment such as an excavator

Wales

To become a forklift driver, you could complete a:

Level 2 NVQ in Plant Operations
Level 3 Apprenticeships in Plant Operations

How much could you earn as a forklift driver?

The expected salary for a forklift driver varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained forklift drivers can start at £19,000

• Trained with experience forklift drivers can earn up to £40,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources