It's an interesting time for forklift drivers. The proliferation of online shopping and e-commerce has driven up demand for operators in many markets, improving job prospects for those with forklift licences and experience.
But, at the same time, job cuts in many industries has seen drivers losing jobs and intense competition for the few vacancies which are advertised.
While skills and experience are important, wages are still low in many countries because it's relatively cheap and easy to train up to minimum standards.
However, we hope employers take a long-term view and realise the value of the operators of their expensive equipment and the damage and harm to infrastructure, stock and co-workers that can be caused by unskilled drivers. This is not the time to cut corners, especially when employees' health and safety are at risk.