More female forklift instructors needed

News Story
- 1 Jun 2023 ( #1130 ) - Shropshire, United Kingdom
1 min read
Laura Nelson
Laura Nelson

The Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB) says there has been a “small but significant” increase in registered female forklift instructors in the United Kingdom this year. 

In the six months to February, 2.1% of people qualifying as RTITB forklift or pallet truck instructors identified as female, according to the workplace transport training body.

In comparison, only 0.37% of all current RTITB forklift instructors are female.

RTITB managing director Laura Nelson says the forklift industry is keen to train new operators to alleviate the shortage of operators in the UK.

“To get more operators into the workplace, businesses need more instructors,” Nelson says. “When upskilling their team, they should be open-minded about who might be a good candidate to become instructors. There may be experienced male operators that don’t have the right attributes to be a great trainer.”

“Though females still make up a small percentage of instructors overall, we hope that the increase we have seen recently will be a sign of further change to come,” she continues. 

Bluworkz facilitates training with VR forklift simulators
Bluworkz facilitates training with VR forklift simulators 12 Jun 2025 - Savannah, GA, United States - 1 min read
Developing female leadership in the port sector
Developing female leadership in the port sector 20 Mar 2025 - San Juan, Puerto Rico - 1 min read
Combilift opens its doors to the engineers of the future
Combilift opens its doors to the engineers of the future 13 Mar 2025 - Monaghan, Ireland - 1 min read
Previously about:
Mandatory forklift refresher training - your opinions News Story - 28 Nov 2024 - 3 min read
Movers & Shakers News Story - 18 Aug 2022 - 1 min read
RTITB: Trainer shortage threatens safety News Story - 9 Jun 2022 - Shropshire, United Kingdom - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

PREMIUM business

Hangzhou Maxlion Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd
3G Standard, Good Products, Good Price, Good Service.

Since July 2000, Forkliftaction News has been your guide to the developments that are shaping your industry.

Starting today we are also looking back on some of the key news stories from our extensive news archive.

In the news email and on the website, you'll see links to stories that were 'leading our news' multiple years ago, with topics spanning world-first products, big acquisitions, and major industry shifts.
We hope you enjoy this unique insight into the materials handling industry!

Words of support …

Thanks to advertising with Forkliftaction, GemOne has experienced a significant enhancement in our online presence. Working with Forkliftaction has enabled us to boost engagement with our targeted audience, resulting in an increase in information requests and downloads of valuable materials from our website. Forkliftaction has consistently delivered outstanding results, helping us to effectively connect with the right audience.

Justine Lootens, CEO

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Since July 2000, Forkliftaction News has been your guide to the developments that are shaping your industry.

Starting today we are also looking back on some of the key news stories from our extensive news archive.

In the news email and on the website, you'll see links to stories that were 'leading our news' multiple years ago, with topics spanning world-first products, big acquisitions, and major industry shifts.
We hope you enjoy this unique insight into the materials handling industry!

PREMIUM business

VETTER Forks, Inc.
The world's most comprehensive product range as well as the most intelligent sensor fork for more safety and efficiency.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

PREMIUM business

Hawker Powersource, Inc.
HAWKER® offers a range of hybrid motive power solutions customized to adapt as your operation's needs change.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Since July 2000, Forkliftaction News has been your guide to the developments that are shaping your industry.

Starting today we are also looking back on some of the key news stories from our extensive news archive.

In the news email and on the website, you'll see links to stories that were 'leading our news' multiple years ago, with topics spanning world-first products, big acquisitions, and major industry shifts.
We hope you enjoy this unique insight into the materials handling industry!