Are you looking for a career in an industry that requires mental agility and the skill to operate industrial equipment? Becoming a forklift operator might be the perfect fit for you. With proper forklift training, this role offers pathways for advancement into warehouse and manufacturing management positions and is currently in high demand.
If you possess strong communication skills, patience, attention to detail, the ability to handle pressure, and organizational abilities, a career as a forklift operator could be an excellent choice.
What It’s Like to Be a Forklift Operator
As a forklift operator, your primary responsibility is to move materials from one place to another using a powered industrial truck. Although it may seem similar to driving a car, operating a forklift involves unique skills and complexities. Forklifts are steered by their rear wheels, as the front wheels bear the load of whatever is being carried. This setup requires operators to be exceptionally aware of their surroundings and control their movements precisely.
Forklift operators typically work in a variety of environments, including:
- Warehouses and Distribution Centres: Moving goods within large indoor spaces, loading and unloading trucks, and organizing inventory.
- Manufacturing Facilities: Transporting raw materials to production lines and finished products to storage areas.
- Construction Sites: Handling building materials and equipment.
- Dockyards and Shipping Facilities: Loading and unloading ships and freight containers.
- Lumber Yards and Sawmills: Moving timber and wood products.
- Recycling Plants: Transporting recyclable materials and waste.
Each environment presents its own set of challenges and requires operators to adapt to different conditions. For instance, working outdoors may involve extreme temperatures, while indoor environments may require managing space constraints and navigating around other machinery.
Training and Certification
Forklift operators must have proper training and be certified according to CSA standards. Training typically includes both formal instruction and hands-on, equipment-specific practice. At AIP Safety, our comprehensive forklift training courses are designed for individuals without experience. The course covers essential topics such as equipment inspection, safe maneuvering techniques, load handling, and emergency procedures.
Our training program includes:
- Labour Canada Regulations and Occupational Health & Safety Regulations
- Skills required to become a professional operator
- Inspection and safety checks; proper and safe refuelling
- Pallet safety
- Forklift maneuvering techniques
- The “stability triangle”
- Lifting, transporting, and depositing a load
- Overview of safe operating principles
- Ramp and dock operations
- Loading dock and trailer safety
Upon successful completion, participants are certified in the operation of powered industrial trucks, with certification valid for three years.
The Importance of Training
Forklift operators must have a high school diploma or GED, be the minimum age based on their jurisdiction, which is 18 years old in Alberta, and be trained and certified according to CSA standards. Training involves both formal instruction and hands-on, equipment-specific practice.
Forklift training ensures that operators are proficient in using the specific models of forklifts they will encounter in their workplace, ranging from electric and internal combustion forklifts to rough terrain and very narrow aisle (VNA) forklifts. Proper training is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring workplace safety.
The Average Pay of a Forklift Operator in Calgary
Depending on their company, forklift operators can make between $47,000 and $62,000 annually in Calgary.
Furthering a Career in Trades
Becoming a forklift operator can further a career in various trades with higher earning potential. Forklift operators often work in the manufacturing, warehousing, construction, and logistics industries. The skills and experience gained as a forklift operator can open doors to advanced positions in these fields. With experience, operators can move into supervisory or management roles, overseeing operations and meeting safety standards. This career path provides a solid foundation for growth and advancement in the trades industry.
Comprehensive Forklift Training from AIP Safety
AIP Safety offers a comprehensive 8-hour Forklift Training Calgary course that meets all current CSA Standard Requirements. This course is perfect for those without previous forklift experience, combining hands-on practical training with classroom instruction to develop professional, skilled, and safety-conscious operators.
Upon successful completion, participants will be certified in the operation of powered industrial trucks, with certification valid for three years. The course covers essential topics, including Labour Canada Regulations, Occupational Health & Safety Regulations, inspection and safety checks, pallet safety, forklift maneuvering techniques, and more.
Enroll in our Forklift Training Course today and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a certified forklift operator.