Robert Watson

Robert Watson from Ayrshire will go on to compete at the RTITB Operator of the Year final on 16 September after being crowned Scottish National Champion last week.

Watson, who works for bpi.visqueen, a division of British Polythene Industries, was trained by John McWhinnie Forklift Training. He received a shopping voucher and a trophy sponsored by Toyota Material Handling UK.

He says the Scottish National Final, which was hosted by GTG Training Ltd in Glasgow, was "fantastic".

"I really enjoyed meeting all of the other competitors; the competition was different to anything I've ever done. Although the tests were challenging, they were also fun."

The competitors took part in two practical tests, a pre-use check and a theory test.

The first and second runners-up were Simon Bottomley from Ramsey in the Isle of Man who is employed by Nazaleze Ltd and trained by Manx Industrial Training Services, and Ian Robertson who is trained and employed by TNT Express Services UK & Ireland. Bottomley will also go through to the grand final.

The event was attended by employers, accredited organisations, instructors and the general public. The day concluded with the announcement of the Scottish National Champion by HSE's director in Scotland, Paul Stollard. Stollard also gave an informative speech about workplace health and safety.

The RTITB Operator of the Year 2011 is sponsored by Toyota Material Handling UK and TNT Express Services UK and Ireland. The trucks that were used in the tests were Toyota 7FBMF electric-powered counterbalance forklifts supplied by Toyota Material Handling UK. The logistics for the event were supplied by TNT Express Services UK & Ireland.

Other upcoming National Finals are:
18 May 2011 - Irish National Final
1 June 2011 - Welsh National Final
15 June 2011 - Midlands & Southern England National Final

The National Finals are open to the public but attendance should be registered as places are limited. (www.rtitb.co.uk/fltcompetition)