A large Canadian integrated materials handling equipment dealership is rolling out a distance-education program for training forklift operators.

Mississauga-based GN Johnston Equipment Co Ltd, trading as Johnston Equipment, has 12 facilities in eight Canadian provinces. Training opportunities will be online and through the firm's sales and service centres.

Paul Pires, Johnston Equipment's national operator training manager, says the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council (CSCSC) in Mississauga is working towards accreditation for the training programs. The Canadian government's sector council program funds CSCSC.

Johnston Equipment represents Raymond and BT forklift trucks and offers fleet management services, automated systems and storage solutions.