TVH Group has opened a new on-site training centre at Waregem, offering customers and employees training on forklifts, aerial platforms, reach trucks and telescopic forklifts.

The training centre is part of TVH's main buildings at its headquarters in Belgium. A section of one of TVH's warehouses was converted into the multi-functional training centre.

Stijn Van Peteghem, TVH's HR advisor, says the concept of the training centre came from TVH's customer requests. "The training program at the TVH training centre has been developed from the point of view of our customers.

"The training centre has fully modified classrooms and practical spaces where different situations can be mastered and simulated."

The training centre allows customers and employees to learn how to get maximum use of TVH's machines and to increase output in a 'safe working environment'.

Van Peteghem says the training is offered on an ongoing basis. "This is an extra service we offer our customers on a permanent basis."

The training centre has access to qualified trainers who have experience working with different machines, all with the necessary teaching skills.

Training sessions encompass a range of topics delivered in either a classroom setting or on the workshop floor. In the classroom, students are taught all aspects of machine operation in regards to legislative requirements and safety. Practical lessons focus extensively on regulations and the skills required to operate the machines.

"Training can be adjusted to specific work situations of the participant. We can teach people how to manipulate goods and pallets, loose stacking up to a specific height, shelf stacking and working with specific attachments," says Van Peteghem.

Courses are delivered in one- to three-day sessions, depending on the type of machine being used and the existing skill of the student.

Van Peteghem says most of the training sessions focus on the Belgium market, but training can be delivered in Dutch or French.