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 operator 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.
The Benefits of Forklift Training
Professional forklift operator training has many benefits, including comprehensive safety and compliance training and opening doors for career advancement.
Training typically includes learning how to properly handle and maintain a forklift, awareness of hazards and the machine’s limitations, and how to follow strict safety protocols to avoid the risk of incidents and injuries in the workplace.
Since most forklift training courses are designed for those without experience with forklifts, participants will learn the fundamentals of workplace safety when handling such machinery. Fostering a culture of safety minimizes risk and creates a more efficient and productive workplace.
OHS statistics indicate that there are roughly 85 forklift fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries annually. One of the leading factors of most forklift incidents is the need for more training. Proper training means the organization is committed to safety standards and ethical conduct.
Compliance not only avoids legal issues but also promotes a culture of safety.
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
Forklift operator training provides skills that can open the door for different positions, better compensation, and career growth. Since so many industries require trained forklift operators, certification makes you eligible for those roles.
A forklift certification is often the starting point for further professional development. Operators can pursue advanced certifications or training in logistics, supply chain management, or operational safety, further enhancing their career prospects.
With a forklift certification, you may be considered for supervisory or managerial roles in warehouse management, logistics, or inventory control. Employers often look for individuals with practical skills and certifications when promoting from within. In a competitive job market, having additional certifications can make you a more valuable employee, enhancing job security.
Forklift certification can also lead to opportunities in specialized areas such as hazardous material handling, large-capacity cargo operations, or advanced logistical work.
Comprehensive Forklift Training from AIP Safety
AIP Safety offers a comprehensive 8-hour Forklift Training course in Calgary 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, or contact us for more information.