Discussion:
Forklift Trainer

Was wondering if anyone knows of any course/courses that a person would/could take to become a certified Forklift Trainer in the United States? I have seen all the Online Certificates that you can get by watching videos and taking tests (print certificate in less than a hour)but haven't seen any actual hands on courses that one could take. Thanks in advance.
  • Posted 31 Jan 2017 15:37
  • Discussion started by jdgnfshn
  • Maryland, United States
Showing items 1 - 15 of 16 results.
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.
  • Posted 3 Jul 2018 02:10
  • Reply by BREWSKI
  • Nebraska, United States
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?
  • Posted 2 Jul 2018 20:21
  • Reply by TonytheTrainer
  • Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
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.
  • Posted 18 May 2018 04:34
  • Reply by Budman
  • Alabama, United States
budman1063@att.net
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
  • Posted 17 May 2018 23:20
  • Reply by TonytheTrainer
  • Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
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!
  • Posted 15 May 2018 23:55
  • Reply by Budman
  • Alabama, United States
budman1063@att.net
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.
  • Posted 15 May 2018 22:10
  • Reply by TonytheTrainer
  • Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
What, exactly would the "awarding body" do which USA OSHA doesn't do besides being on the government pay scale and raising our taxes?
  • Posted 10 May 2018 21:17
  • Reply by chuck_s
  • Indiana, United States
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.
  • Posted 8 May 2018 22:58
  • Reply by TonytheTrainer
  • Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
Here is a great place to learn about the cost of forklift licensing
https://forkliftlicensehq.com/forklift-training-cost
  • Posted 6 May 2018 15:29
  • Reply by SlickRick
  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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?
  • Posted 10 Mar 2017 07:18
  • Reply by Budman
  • Alabama, United States
budman1063@att.net
MYMIC Training Technologies is the best Training company in USA. We are the computer-based 3D virtual and interactive simulations learning development company. We offer Osha courses online, Osha record keeping, Osha compliance safety training, Osha accident recording, Osha safety training classes, Interactive training, Learning Management systems (LMS). The Only difference in Mymic produces the best multi-media learning designs and techniques to get effective learning experience.
  • Posted 8 Mar 2017 18:05
  • Modified 8 Mar 2017 18:06 by poster
  • Reply by mymic_t
  • Virginia, United States
We also offer train the trainer. You get certified to train employees at your company.
  • Posted 18 Feb 2017 01:58
  • Reply by partsman1
  • Pennsylvania, United States
The only way to be certified by OSHA is to work for OSHA. They do not certify trainers for the private sector.
  • Posted 18 Feb 2017 00:51
  • Reply by BREWSKI
  • Nebraska, United States
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.
  • Posted 17 Feb 2017 00:45
  • Reply by marc_l
  • United States
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.
  • Posted 3 Feb 2017 00:41
  • Reply by BREWSKI
  • Nebraska, United States

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Movers & Shakers
Florian Heydenreich Florian Heydenreich
managing director sales and service, Still
President - Europe, Middle East and Africa, Rockwell Automation
managing director Linde Material Handling GmbH, Linde Materials Handling
senior vice president, Industrial Service and Equipment, EMEA, Konecranes