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.
If you have trained a forklift operator or two in your time you can probably relate to the experience of seeing the emotional state of some trainees when they show up for training sessions.
Often displaying signs ranging from utter apathy to immobilising fear, their state is usually due to the fact that they have been sent, usually against their will, into a situation where failure is possible.
Failure, as it relates to a forklift operator training program, can take many forms. Trainees could fail to grasp basic theory concepts or demonstrate operational ability, they could fail to be able to read or write. Regardless of the reasons that generate fear, or at least trepidation, in the minds of trainees, it all comes back to one thing - fear of failure.
To alleviate this perception in my trainees, I like to get one thing straight, right off the top - failure is not possible. I explain that, as their trainer, I am in it with them for the long haul and, as such, if they are unsuccessful in the classroom and/or field then it is as much my responsibility as theirs. This approach seems to relieve some pressure by pointing out that successful completion of the program is going to require an honest effort from them and from me - it's not all about them.
I also point out that if, at the end of the process, they are, for lack of a better term, unsuccessful - it is not the end of the road. Quite the opposite, in fact we have succeeded in determining that additional training is required - which is a good thing.
As trainers, we must remember that we conduct evaluations after training to determine if additional training is required, not to pass or fail anyone. Once you have determined that additional training is required you can convey that to the trainee, along with the good news that you have also identified what areas can be improved and what action to take to make it happen.
I understand that operating a forklift is not for everybody in that there is an intangible element of "feel" required to operate any powered machinery. However, I firmly believe that, given the proper training and time for supervised practice, most people will acquire the required skills and be able demonstrate proficiency 90 per cent to 95 per cent of the time. If not, it may be that additional training is required - for the trainer.