Dan, thank you for recognizing the hard work that techs do. ;-)

But.....I must correct you again; I AM a lift truck operator trainer and I have no problem in comparing qualifications if asked.

After 12 years in the lift truck industry I do not consider myself perfect and know that I do not have a monopoly on knowledge. I will gladly learn from the experiences of others.

Technicians have a unique undertanding of lift trucks operation. A tech may set parameters such as acceleration, lift speed, plugging etc. depending on the experience/ability of operators or the environment. Choice of tires/compounds can make the difference between a productive operator and a problem turning into a preventable accident. These are just examples.

It would be a mistake to consider techs unable to contribute to operational safety/knowledge. Last time I checked techs had the final say on machine safety, not trainers.

I try not to pass judgment on other people due to the "boomerang" effect. I just find interesting that anybody would have the need to claim "superior" knowledge/practices/standards so many times in forums dedicated to sharing of industry information.
I guess my outlook on things is different, not necessarily right or better.

Vince

Ah, Vince. A technician you must be, and a trainer, NOT! Technicians are very smart individuals, having to dismember these huge machines, with all the hydraulics and stuff. Having to put up with miserable managers, taking blame for operators' screw-ups, and miserable salesmen. Oh, how unfortunate the Techs must be because no one else in this world has to put up with crap everyday. Anyways, hats off, to all the forklift technicians, as they deserve it, 100%! It is a demanding job, with little, or no recognition. And I mean it.

Maybe they can teach some of the 'so-called' trainers out there, but I know, that no technician, will ever teach me anything regarding safety and forklifts. And that is why I service whom I do, and do so honestly, and sincerely, without having to diss any of my competition.

Therefore, I do apologize for the mistaken understanding regarding the specific training being questioned, and I shall continue to provide the best forklift training, to the operators of my region. And continue to stay away from technical issues pertaining to forklifts, having never been trained, or experienced, in this area of lift trucks.

I understand your concerns with training aswell. My present company has almost no training available either, and when it is available, it is basically useless. I'd just like to work with some other proffessionals, is that too much to ask?

Are there any of you guys here from Ontario, working at places that are providing you with ongoing training? Also, will they be hiring soon, I'm deffinately looking for a new place to work in the new year.
Thanks.

If you want to stay in the lift truck trade you will have to have the trade certification eventually. If lift truck courses are not happening try heavy equipment, a lot of the material covered is the same. With 6 years in the trade you should be able to write the test anyway. My suggestion is to specialize in electrical trucks/components (easier/lighter work requiring more brain power/less brawn). If you switch employer make sure that future training is not an empty promise. Talk with techs and check turn over rates. If people leave after a few years it means a poor workplace. Try Sandford College in Lindsay, Ontario, they run short intensive semesters if you want theory knowledge. Good luck.

P.S. For Dan M.
Jess W is a Technician, (capital T not a mistake), the person that gets blamed for operator mistakes, salesman selling whatever was in the yard, and gets grief from the manager because an arbitrary financial target wasn't reached. He is not looking for operator training and can probably teach most trainers a thing or two.

Find a dealer that offers factory O.E.M. training; that might mean a relocation. In the mean time get your A.S.E. certification; believe me that will help.

Sorry. Never heard of them but that doesn't mean that they are no good. A few of the forklift dealers provide okay training but you'll have to judge for yourself. Make sure that you do not go to a place that will do the forklift training, propane and batteries, written test and practical, in a half day, Make sure the tests are not open book, and make sure that their practical testing is substantial, not just driving to and fro, twenty feet.

That may be true for the more southernly states.... But that is neither here nor there.

I'm definitly looking into training myself rather then waiting for the govournment to do it. It will pay for i self eventually.

Of the people from southern Ontario, who should I call? I know a place near Toronto called Riego has some prettty comprehensive training. Any thoughts?

Not as easy as one might think. Companies have to prove that they have exhausted all resources in attempting to hire an American citizen before bringing in a Canadian.

No offence to anyone however I believe that the Americans, or some at least, prefer having Mexicans hopping over the river, illegally, and then possibly granting them citizenship, as opposed to Canadians coming through the front door legally.

Certifcations are always a good idea and will look good on your resume. I would recommend you look into obtaining an ASE certifcation; they have serveral availible. The one I would recommend is Medium/Heavy Truck Master Technition. This one covers alot of area that relates to forklifts. I would also recommend employment with a dealership that is proactive as far as factory training. I wouldn't seriously consider working for a company that didn't have some sort of organized training program.

Move to the US. Everyone is looking for Techs.

It is sad when businesses are unwilling to train their employees, regardless how many are to be trained. I am a professional trainer, with many well known companies as clients, government departments, and an associate professor at a college.

The provincial government takes a reactive position, instead of a proactive one, waiting to pounce onto an incident scene, to collect the money, instead of finding ways to prevent them.

Many businesses I visit tell me that they are just a small company, and I say that it is irrelevant, and training must be done. That is when they kick me out the door. Where is the Ministry?

When I train at the college, we do get many individuals seeking their certification on their own, whether they are employed, or seeking employment. The cost is not high, and very afffordable.

If you really want to get trained, and the company does not require their own contracted service to certify you, then by all means, seek an outside trainer on you own.

I am aware that the pricing in southern Ontario is significantly higher than eastern Ontario, however travelling costs will negate any of the savings.

If you want to get your permit, you will have to take the initiative to get it on your own, and if I am not mistaken, the course is tax deductible.

Very few technicians have the designation you are going for, I say if you are in the business for 6 years now and you know your stuff, demand to paid as a Lift Truck Technician, if not be prepared to move to the G.T.A. there are quite a few lift truck places here which would be glad to pay you for your skills if your current employer is unwilling to do so.