Very Narrow Aisle Training
On-Site VNA Courses
Training that works in the real world, not just the test
We deliver very narrow aisle (VNA) operator-up training on-site at your premises, helping employers ensure operators are trained safely, competently, and in line with recognised industry standards using the equipment and conditions they work with every day.
All our training courses follow ITSSAR guidance and the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (L117), supporting your legal responsibilities while developing operators who can work safely in real workplace conditions.
Training combines essential knowledge with practical, hands-on instruction delivered within your normal working environment. The focus is not simply passing a test, but developing operators who can use VNA trucks safely, efficiently, and responsibly during day-to-day operations.
Not sure which training level you need? Here’s how the different forklift training levels compare:
Forklift Training Levels Explained
All courses follow recognised ITSSAR standards and are delivered in line with current HSE guidance.
Novice Operator Training
Experienced Operator Training
Safety Refresher Training
Conversion Training
For a more detailed breakdown of each training level, view our forklift training levels guide.
How Our Training Works
Training in Real Workplace Conditions
All very narrow aisle (VNA) truck training takes place on-site using your own equipment and normal working environment. Training operators on the trucks they use every day helps develop practical skills that directly reflect workplace conditions, operating procedures, and load handling requirements.
VNA trucks are battery-powered operator-up machines designed for high-density warehouse storage and narrow aisle operation. These machines are commonly used indoors for high-level pallet stacking and retrieval, often at significant working heights. Training on your own equipment within your normal working environment helps operators become familiar with the specific aisle layouts, guidance systems, lift heights, and handling characteristics they encounter during day-to-day work.
Depending on the type of VNA truck and working environment, additional considerations such as manual handling, working at height, and emergency escape procedures may also form part of the training process.
Courses are tailored to your business requirements and scheduled to minimise disruption wherever possible. Both practical and theoretical instruction can be adapted to suit novice, experienced, refresher, and conversion training requirements.
Facilities Required
We will require access to your very narrow aisle (VNA) truck along with a safe, undisturbed area suitable for practical training exercises and testing. Access to the warehouse aisles, racking systems, and guidance systems used within your workplace is normally required for realistic operating exercises. Suitable pallets and realistic loads relevant to your workplace activities are also beneficial where available. Traffic cones and training materials are supplied by the instructor.
As VNA trucks are operator-up machines commonly used at significant working heights, additional safety procedures may be required depending on the equipment and working environment, including emergency escape arrangements and working at height controls.
For theory sessions, a small office or meeting area with a table, chairs, and power is sufficient for the instructor and trainees.
Operators must wear safety footwear and any personal protective equipment required under your company’s risk assessments. High-visibility vests are supplied where required.
Accredited Certification
On successful completion, your business will receive full certification documentation for each operator, including an ITSSAR-accredited very narrow aisle (VNA) truck certificate, a photo identification card, and a written assessment of performance - all included within the course fee.
Qualifications are nationally recognised and recorded on the TOPS (Trained Operator Passport Scheme) database, providing clear, verifiable proof of training and helping employers maintain accurate training records.
Ongoing Training Support
Our service does not end when the training finishes. We continue to support our customers with ongoing advice, guidance, and training records to help maintain safe warehouse operations and assist with compliance requirements.
Following training, clients also receive a range of supporting documentation and resources, including:
- Refresher training reminders
- Relevant health and safety documentation
- Battery recharging safety poster
- Seven-day pre-use inspection checklists
- Authorisation to operate lift trucks forms
- Employer training record forms
GET TRAINING WRONG, AND THE CONSEQUENCES FOLLOW
Forklift Training That Stands Up to Scrutiny
Structured, workplace-based training designed around real operational conditions.
On-Site, Relevant Training
Delivered at your premises using your equipment, so operators are trained in conditions that reflect your actual workplace.
ITSSAR-Accredited Standards
Structured training with the documentation, assessment, and professional standards employers should expect.
Clear, Practical Instruction
No jargon or shortcuts - operators gain a genuine understanding of safe working practices, not just how to pass a test.
Straightforward and Reliable Service
Straightforward booking, clear communication, and certification and paperwork completed promptly with no hidden extras.
Trusted by Businesses Across Hampshire and the South
Very informative and varied. Covered all aspects of the course.
PJ, Southampton, Hampshire
Well presented. Took time to explain and was happy we understood.
ML, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Friendly and professional. Instructor was supportive and made it fun.
CD, Havant, Hampshire
Want to see more? Check out our Google reviews.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Course Breakdown
A typical novice very narrow aisle (VNA) training course combines practical and theoretical instruction designed to develop safe, competent operators, covering:
- Course induction
- The need and reasons for training and statutory requirements (HASAWA 1974 etc.)
- Introduction to equipment / control familiarisation / principles of operation
- Identification / use / adjustment of attachments in pre-determined positions including forks
- Recommended mount and dismount
- Introduction to motive, steering controls and practice
- Basic steering exercises – simple courses
- Advanced steering exercises – figure‑of‑eight / chicane / 90° approaches
- Battery charging procedures / maintenance
- Operator safety code and relevant handout
- Daily pre-use inspections
- Engineering principles / rated capacity / stability
- Simple hydraulics (theory)
- Introduction to hydraulic controls, handling empty pallets low‑level
- Load types / handling and weight assessment
- Stacking / destacking at low, medium and high levels on industrial racking*
- Stacking / destacking at low, medium and high levels bulk stacks*
- Stacking / destacking at low, medium and high levels cup‑post pallets*
- Manoeuvring with loads / ramps and inclines / handling awkward loads*
- Relevant safety film
- Multi-choice theory test
- Pre-use inspection test
- Practical skills test
* Topics are covered where relevant to your operation, the truck types involved, and where site facilities allow.
COMPETENT OPERATORS, START WITH PROPER TRAINING
VNA (Operator-Up) Course Details
Machine:
Very Narrow Aisle (Operator-Up)
Category:
F1
Specification:
Operator-Up
Accrediting Body:
Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)
Maximum Ratio:
3:1:1 (3 trainees, 1 instructor, 1 machine)
Duration:
Novice - 1 trainee = 3 days, 2 trainees = 4 days, 3 trainees = 5 days
Experienced - 1 trainee = 2 days, 2 trainees = 2 days, 3 trainees = 3 days
Safety Refresher - 1 trainee = 1 day, 2 trainees = 1 day, 3 trainees = 1 day
Conversion - contact us
Cost:
Contact us
Related Training Courses
Reach Truck Training
Training focused on warehouse operations, including safe manoeuvring, pallet placement in racking, and working efficiently in narrow aisles.
High-Level Order Picker Training
Training for high-level order pickers, focusing on safe working at height, precise picking, and maintaining control at elevated positions.
Rider Pallet Truck Training
Training for ride-on pallet trucks, covering safe operation, load handling, and efficient movement of goods during loading, unloading, and transport operations.
Looking for something else? View all our forklift training courses.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Ready to Arrange Your Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Training?
Tell us about your equipment, operators, and workplace environment, and we’ll recommend the most suitable training course and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.
Training is delivered on-site at your premises using your equipment and normal working environment, helping operators develop practical skills relevant to their day-to-day operations.