Discussion:
Advice for becoming FLT instructor SUB CONTRACTED

Hi all.
Brand new member here. I found this forum by searching Google and snooping around to see what info I could gather and hopefully, I may get some info here.

I have an opportunity to receive free training with a company near me, who say they are offering free training because they want to build the staff count up, so it's a limited offer and could go back to full price at any time.

They are doing three-week courses and you will work for them on a self-employed basis as a sub-contractor.

this means, I would have to quit my current job and go all in, which I think is a big risk, given that I have no experience working as a sub-contractor, working self-employed AND that I will be training as an assessor for the first time, with 6 years FLT operation experience.
I have never worked self-employed before and have absolutely no idea about it all. But the main thing I am concerned about is the work. They always say "the work is there" but obviously, it's not always, otherwise it wouldn't be sub-contracted. Right?

I am hoping someone in here may have some insight about working as an instructor on a self-employed basis and would be able to have a chat about it.
  • Posted 1 Mar 2021 07:00
  • Discussion started by MadCal
  • South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Cal.
Showing items 1 - 4 of 4 results.
Hello.
Just wondering if you did end up going as a subcontracted instructor?
I was employed full time and recently made the jump with Mentor, and I don't regret it.
  • Posted 18 May 2022 20:04
  • Reply by Sufikh
  • United Kingdom
Sk
You are very welcome.
If you are serious about becoming an Instructor you might want to look at MENTOR as they do recruit people they train but its the initial cost that puts people off and as I said its the catch 22 of trying to get experience if you have to be a sub-contractor as most will say you need a minimum of 1 year commercial experience.
There will (fingers crossed) always be a need to train but like any job, its getting your foot in the door. Does your present employer need an instructor as that is always a good way to start.
Good luck with your endeavours and I hope you find what you want.
  • Posted 3 Mar 2021 23:15
  • Reply by Tat2dPete
  • Strathclyde, United Kingdom
Pete
Hi, thanks so much for your reoky

Yeah, everything you said makes a LOT of sense. I asked the obvious questions and got quite simple answers, that to be honest, didn't really convince me much now that I've had more time to think it through.

They basically said, to being instructors back on board, as their company needed more to be available, specifically in my area (Hmmmm).

I still wonder what the deal is because they weren't really trying to sell anything to me, but as you said, sounds too good to be true.

I didn't really get much more info as I wanted to consider it and get some opinions elsewhere, but I think I'll give this one a miss.

Thanks for your time.
  • Posted 3 Mar 2021 20:44
  • Reply by MadCal
  • South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Cal.
Hi Madcal
Firstly I would ask what training they are offering for free and why? What would the cost be if you had to pay it yourself because you are normally looking at close to £2000 for the Instructors course. Sounds "too good to be true" to me given there are probably a number of instructors available who would be looking for work?
What does the 3 week course give you? Normal Instructor course is 10 days for the initial registration so why would it be longer and free?
I worked as a sub-contractor many years ago (in a different career admittedly) but got told when I started..we have more days work than you can imagine...didn't get paid for month 3 which totally screwed me financially and took me a year plus a bailiff warrant to get the money so that stopped that career.
Yes, there is work available for instructors but like anything its a catch 22 of what experience do you have as an instructor...none..oh well we can't employ you then...but how do I get experience??
Admittedly, back before COVID decided to make an appearance there were a number of companies advertising for Instructors and most would be as a sub-contractor, I guess its easier to have somebody available rather than sitting twiddling their thumbs in the office and I think you then become liable for your own tax and NI etc so less costs to them.
The big question too is...can you afford to jump ship into the unknown? Plus, what happens if you fail the course?
Sorry if I am being negative but I would think very carefully about the offer.
How long has the company been trading, how many other employees do they have and what are they really offering at the end?
  • Posted 3 Mar 2021 19:24
  • Reply by Tat2dPete
  • Strathclyde, United Kingdom
Pete

Having trouble using the Discussion Forums? Contact us for help.

Forkliftaction.com accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to the rules. Click here for more information.

Taylor TXB180S
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, United States
Used - Sale & Hire
Mobicon 2T
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, United States
New - Sale
Latest job alerts …
Fort Lupton, Colorado, United States
Sidney, OH, United States
Omaha, United States
Mason City, IA, United States

PREMIUM business

VETTER Industrie GmbH
The world's most comprehensive range of forks and the most intelligent sensor fork for more safety and efficiency.
Movers & Shakers
Brendan Brett Brendan Brett
Director of Strategic Partnerships, Autonomous Division, Big Joe
Director of Human Resources, Logistics UK
Founder and Managing Director, Kaup GmbH
Head of Sales North America, Volvo CE
Global Industry News
edition #1147 - 28 September 2023
With the northern hemisphere Summer well and truly over, it’s clear the materials handling sector has been hard at work... Continue reading