Forklift Training Levels

Home / Training Levels

Choosing the Right Training for Your Operators

Choosing the correct training level matters. Not all forklift operators start at the same point, which is why we offer four recognised training levels based on existing experience, previous training, and workplace requirements.

Whether you’re training new operators or updating the skills and safe working practices of experienced staff, we’ll help you identify the most suitable course for your workplace and equipment.

Choose the level that matches your operators’ current experience:

Novice Operator Training

For operators with no prior experience.

Covers everything from the ground up, including safety principles, practical instruction, and hands-on operating experience. Ideal for operators who have never used a forklift or have only operated trucks informally.

VIEW DETAILS →

Cartoon construction worker wearing green hard hat and vest, kneeling down.

Experienced Operator Training

For those with practical experience but no formal certification.

Ideal for operators who have been using trucks without structured, accredited training. Helps bring existing skills in line with recognised workplace standards and safe working practices.

VIEW DETAILS →

Cartoon construction worker wearing orange hard hat and vest, with arms crossed.

Safety Refresher Training

For certified operators who need a skills update.

Recommended every 3 to 5 years, or following an incident, workplace change, or period away from operating. Helps maintain safe working practices and operator competence.

VIEW DETAILS →

Cartoon construction worker wearing red hard hat and vest, raising hand to the helmet.

Conversion Training

For certified operators moving to a different type of truck.

Designed for operators already trained on one type of equipment who need to learn the differences, controls, and safe operating practices associated with another truck type.

VIEW DETAILS →

Cartoon construction worker wearing black hard hat and vest, turning around.

Which Forklift Training Level Do You Need?

Use this quick guide to identify the most suitable training level for your operators.

Operator Situation	Recommended Training
No prior experience	Novice Operator Training
Practical experience but no formal certification	Experienced Operator Training
Certified but needs an update	Safety Refresher Training
Switching to a different type of truck	Conversion Training

Still unsure? Get advice based on your operators, equipment, and workplace requirements.

PROPERLY STRUCTURED TRAINING MATTERS

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 and working environment, helping operators develop practical skills in real workplace conditions.

ITSSAR-Accredited Standards

Training delivered to recognised ITSSAR standards, helping employers maintain properly structured workplace training and clear operator records.

Clear, Practical Instruction

Focused on safe working practices, operator understanding, and practical workplace operation - not just passing a test or ticking boxes.

Trusted by Businesses Across Hampshire and the South

Explained well and allowed us to perform operations multiple times.

RA, Lymington, Hampshire

A relaxed but informative course – I learnt so much, thank you for your time.

JB, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Want to see more? Check out our Google reviews.

Forklift Training Courses

Trainee correctly parking counterbalance forklift truck

Counterbalance Forklift Training

Training for the most widely used forklift type, covering safe operation, pre-use inspections, load handling, and manoeuvring in real workplace conditions.

View counterbalance course →

Instructor demonstrating reach truck manoeuvring in warehouse aisle

Reach Truck Training

Training focused on warehouse operations, including safe manoeuvring, pallet placement in racking, and working efficiently in narrow aisles.

View reach truck course →

Trainee operating telehandler in outdoor working environment

Telehandler Training

Training for telehandlers used in construction and industrial settings, covering safe operation, load placement, stability, and working safely on uneven ground.

View telehandler course →

Looking for something else? View all our forklift training courses.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Which forklift training level do my operators need?

It depends on their current experience. New operators require novice training, operators with experience but no certificate usually need experienced operator training, certified operators may require refresher training, and those moving to a different truck type need conversion training.

Can experienced operators skip novice training?

Yes. Operators with practical experience can complete an experienced operator course, which assesses existing operating ability and brings training in line with recognised workplace standards without repeating full novice training.

When is refresher training required?

Refresher training is typically recommended every 3 to 5 years, or sooner following an incident, long period away from operating, or a change in workplace conditions or equipment.

What’s the difference between conversion and refresher training?

Refresher training updates existing skills on the same type of truck, while conversion training is designed for operators already qualified on one type of equipment who need to learn how to safely operate another.

Do all forklift operators need accredited training?

Training should always meet recognised standards. Accredited training provides an additional level of reassurance, particularly for audits, insurance requirements, and workplace compliance, but the key requirement is that operators are properly trained, tested, and competent.

What if I’m not sure which training level is right?

If you’re unsure, we can advise based on your operators’ experience, the equipment being used, and your workplace environment. This helps ensure the correct training level is identified first time.

For more information, view our frequently asked questions or contact us directly.

Ready to Arrange Your Forklift Training?

Get practical, professionally delivered forklift training in place for your operators with an ITSSAR-accredited course delivered at your premises.

Tell us about your equipment, operators, and workplace environment, and we’ll recommend the most suitable course and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.

GET A QUOTE