Rob Vetter is technical director and managing partner with the Ives Training Group, in Blaine, WA, USA, a leader in North American mobile equipment training systems since 1981.

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Training forklift operators is a multi-faceted procedure. It should ultimately culminate in the trainee understanding what was taught and the trainer confirming with the trainee that he or she has understood. As a trainer, you must take deliberate, calculated steps in the classroom and in the field to evaluate your trainees' level of understanding.

Interaction is the key in the classroom. It's amazing what you can find out when you get people talking. Here are a few tips:

• Maintain eye contact with the group. Communication is mainly non-verbal and you can learn a lot from your trainees' body language and facial expressions.
• Ask questions that require thoughtful responses. Try starting your questions with phrases like: "What do you think about...?" or "What would happen if...?" This will encourage discussion and avoid yes/no responses.
• Ask provocative questions that stir up passionate responses. Issues related to seat belt usage or pedestrian right of way are usually good discussion starters.
• Make yourself available during breaks. Many trainees feel embarrassed to draw attention to themselves in the classroom and will wait for opportunities to approach you in private.

Out in the field, understanding is conveyed by trainees through demonstration. You can enhance trainees' ability to properly demonstrate by doing the following:

• Explain exactly what is required and what you will look for before putting anyone in the seat.
• Issue clear, simple tasks, one at a time, then find a place where you can watch from a safe distance and let them do it.
• When you approach, ask trainees questions instead of just telling them what they did wrong. This initiates interaction and communication.
• Have trainees repeat tasks until they are demonstrated correctly.
• Offer encouragement; trainees need to know when they do things right too. Be positive, empathetic and patient.
• Get rid of casual spectators; they are a distraction and a hazard.
• Review how things went with each trainee following a training session. Regardless of how experienced they are, there is always room for improvement.

My next column will discuss the practical evaluation process that typically follows practical training.