I cannot answer for Budman but I have a very similar background. The training through different manufacturers is very similar, other than specifics for each manufacturers product. Specialty equipment, like man up turret trucks and side loaders have specific training added.

im curious Budman,

the 4 different manufacturers that trained you, did they have a more or less similar approach to their training/best practice/lesson structure/content, or have there been some conflicting or contradictory elements?

I agree Tony. I've been with a Dealer for 30 yrs. First 9 as a Technician and last 21 as a Product Support Rep. I'm Factory Trained through 4 different Manufacturers.

Budman hi,

i accept what your saying and it times it can get a bit red tapey and i have had more than a few frustrated moments dealing with awarding bodies but at the same time i feel that working within this structure helps to reduce ambiguity and mis-interpretation from legislation and sets an indusrty wide benchmark for instructors/operators.

as for the OP's original question, having the awarding body system makes career progression clear and straight forward:- find a company running the course, book yourself on, bish bash bosh, two weeks later your a qualified instructor :D

Tony, In the USA OSHA gives us the Standard that we train by (29CFR 1910.178). The only difference is they do not recommend a training program over any other. As long as it meets their standard, you should be good. It's the employers responsibility to make sure that it meets their criteria. Sounds to me that in the UK, they've created all kinds of levels of Red Tape to justify their existence. Along with hoops that Trainers & companies must jump through!

chuck,

the various awarding bodies set up training programs for instructors that teach how to deliver a lesson/ different teaching techniques and learning styles. they have a set syllabus of knowledge of you must be familiar with and they set a minimum level of operating ability for the instructor to demonstrate practical competence. this training has to be refreshed every 5 years as well as an annual on site audit to ensure compliance. the course is really quite good and comprehensive.

as for the operator trainnig, there is specific course content established for each machine type which has been standardised across all awarding bodies and includes things like knowledge of best practice, stability factors etc and also dictates that certain practical manouevres can be carried out by the operator. there is also a standardised set of tests that any operator must be able to achieve to be successful.

the standardised nature of the training means that any employer who takes a new operator on knows that regardless of prior experience they have achieved a minimum standard or ability.

What, exactly would the "awarding body" do which USA OSHA doesn't do besides being on the government pay scale and raising our taxes?

I find it amazing that the US doesnt have any accredited awarding bodies that oversee forklift training.

We have several recognised ones in the UK and wihle it is not compulsorry to use them, it is highly unusual for an employer to take on an flt operator without recognised accredited training.

Here is a great place to learn about the cost of forklift licensing
https://forkliftlicensehq.com/forklift-training-cost

In 29CFR 1910.178 all OSHA states about Trainer qualifications is that have to be knowledgeable and capable of putting on a training class that meets OSHA's standards. As for me working for a Dealer, I'm factory trained through MCFA & Crown. That along with 29 yrs. experience in the industry as a mechanic & now a Product Support Rep. more than qualifies me. Whomever you get the training from, you still have to have credibility with the companies you are training for and the operators you are training. If you don't, can you imagine the liability you would be under?

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We also offer train the trainer. You get certified to train employees at your company.

The only way to be certified by OSHA is to work for OSHA. They do not certify trainers for the private sector.

Yes OSHA is vague, but the employer does not certify you as a trainer. The employer only certifies the employee as an operator. Most companies have a safety department and they will usually send a designated person to a Train the Trainer class to become an OSHA certified trainer. Crown Lift Trucks offers an award winning Train the Trainer class at most of their branch locations. You can find your local Crown branch by going to Crown.com find location.

OSHA is pretty vague on requirements for trainers. There is not a OSHA certified trainer. Your employer is the one who certifies you as a trainer. There are minimum qualifications required by OSHA. Many companies have trainers that never drove a lift truck for any length of time.