Counterbalance Forklift Training
On-Site Counterbalance Forklift Courses
Training that works in the real world, not just the test
We deliver counterbalance forklift 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 building practical operator competence for 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 building the practical skills and awareness needed to operate counterbalance forklifts 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 counterbalance forklift training takes place on-site using your own equipment and working environment. Training operators on the trucks they use every day helps develop practical skills that directly reflect normal workplace conditions, operating procedures, and load handling requirements.
Counterbalance forklifts are widely used across warehouses, factories, yards, construction environments, and distribution operations for a wide range of lifting and transport tasks. These machines may be powered by battery, LPG, or diesel and are commonly used both indoors and outdoors depending on the workplace environment. Many trucks are also fitted with specialist attachments designed for specific handling tasks. Training on your own equipment and at your premises helps operators become familiar with the controls, handling characteristics, attachments, and operating areas they encounter during day-to-day operations.
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 counterbalance forklift truck along with a safe, undisturbed area suitable for practical training exercises and testing. Sufficient space is needed for manoeuvring, stacking, and operating exercises, together with pallets and realistic loads relevant to your workplace activities. Traffic cones and training materials are supplied by the instructor.
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 counterbalance forklift 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 remain available to provide ongoing advice and guidance, helping our customers maintain safe workplace operations and meet their compliance responsibilities.
Following training, clients also receive a range of supporting documentation and resources, including:
- Refresher training reminders
- Relevant health and safety documentation
- Refuelling and recharging safety posters
- 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
The instructor was very thorough and extremely patient and persistent and encouraging.
DB, Emsworth, West Sussex
Adaptable to the individual. Being able to gauge how well I understood and arrange the course to suit.
OD, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Very thorough explanations of all aspects of the course. Explained all information very well.
MS, Southampton, Hampshire
Want to see more? Check out our Google reviews.
Counterbalance Forklift Course Breakdown
A typical novice counterbalance forklift 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 recharging procedures / maintenance
- Operator safety code and relevant handout
- Daily pre-use inspections / refuelling procedures
- 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
- Vehicle loading and unloading (theory)*
- Vehicle loading and unloading (practical)*
- 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
Counterbalance Forklift Course Details
Machine:
Counterbalance (Rider)
Category:
B1
Specification:
Maximum 5 tonne lifting capacity
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
Telehandler Training
Training for telehandlers used in construction and industrial settings, covering safe operation, load placement, stability, and working safely on uneven ground.
Pallet Stacker Training
Training for pedestrian stacker trucks, covering safe lifting, stacking in racking, and controlled movement in confined warehouse environments.
Reach Truck Training
Training focused on warehouse operations, including safe manoeuvring, pallet placement in racking, and working efficiently in narrow aisles.
Looking for something else? View all our forklift training courses.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Ready to Arrange Your Counterbalance Forklift 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.