We train non company operators on a regular basis, people looking for a career change, unemployed etc. In the U.K a Novice operator should undergo 37.5 hours training, then pass an ABF test of BASIC skills before a certificate is issued. The certificate is only proof that that person has received adequate basic training in line with HASWA section 2. Specific training should then be completed on the job itself. Fact of the matter is that everyone has to start somewhere. A lorry driver has to pass a test after training before he can even apply for a job for example, and even us instructors are trained at a training centre arent we.
U.K operator training comprises 3 elements - Basic, Familiarisation and specific job, all 3 stages of training should be completed before an operator is released onto the job itself. We and other providers provide Basic at our training centre.
It works very well for our company. and it has helped our company to earn.."Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence in Safety" for 2009 and 2010, from the Wisconsin Safety Council.
CONGRATS
We go at it a bit different. I am not involved in the hiring process for the company, but if you are hired as a lift operator, whether you have received training from some other company, or you are a newbie, everyone goes through our company lift truck training program... period. We have a a 4 phase training program....formal/classroom training, hands-on demonstration training, practical exercise phase and then the evaluation phase. Before a lift truck operator is allowed to operate, "on their own" they must go through these steps. Documentation is performed at each level and all this information is then placed in the trainees training folder. Yes we also have two other steps that include refresher training and re-eavaluation training. It works very well for our company. and it has helped our company to earn.."Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence in Safety" for 2009 and 2010, from the Wisconsin Safety Council.
We do allow individuals to attend training; however, we make it clear it will not pass as certification within a company's facility b/c the training must be specific at their site. We provide a copy of their test and show completion of their class, which may help show their initiative for an employer.
We do something similar on a regular basis, mostly for a state agency
They will, with us do a minimum of 32 hrs and probably 35 hrs if they have no experience
Even then we will clearly identify them as Novice operators and indicate that they must receive "on the job / site" training
from their new employers.
It really takes years of experience to become a "very good operator"
I do what you are stating. I do train businesses and government but I am also an Associate Professor at a community college which is part of a major university in Canada.
For those without any experience, the course is two days, of which the first day, 8-5 is theory on the sit-down forklift, and the second day, is practical tutoring. Most have never sat in a forklift and I push them like a drill sergeant to do each portion of the final test course, throughout the day. This would be a very grueling day, both for the students and myself.
If successful, they will succeed in achieving their permit however I do put warnings on their Records of Training emphasizing that they are new operators, and certain tasks are best be handled by those with more experience.
They attend the course for at least 21 hours, if not more, learning everything required by law, and then me. I tend to be more stringent.
I might add that I do compete with others who try to do the same, in half day or so, with either no practical or simply moving a pallet from point A to point B, and a permit is automatically issued.
Although training for their upcoming specific place of employment cannot be accomplished, the Ministry and employers really don't care. As shameful as it may be, it is what it is!