Forklift Training
Forklift Training With The Academy
Forklift Training Courses – Certified, Compliant & Industry-Approved
At The Academy, we provide expert forklift training for both new operators and experienced forklift drivers looking to refresh their skills. Our fully accredited forklift training courses are delivered by qualified and experienced instructors, ensuring all trainees gain the necessary skills to operate safely and efficiently in any workplace.
All our forklift operator training meets HSENI (Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland) standards and is approved by leading accreditation bodies, keeping your business legally compliant and your workforce safety-certified. We offer:
Novice forklift training – for beginners with no prior experience
Experienced operator training – for those needing certification or skill enhancement
Refresher forklift training – to update existing qualifications and ensure compliance
On-site forklift training – tailored courses delivered at your workplace
Whether you need counterbalance forklift training, reach truck certification, or specialized warehouse forklift training, we provide customized solutions to meet your needs.
Book your forklift training today and ensure your team stays safe, skilled, and compliant with industry regulations.
📞 Contact us now to schedule a course!
Our Qualified and experienced instructors deliver practical expertise and hands-on guidance to ensure a thorough understanding of safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and efficient logistics management.
At The Academy, we don’t just train forklift operators; we mould adept professionals who are poised to drive operational excellence and ensure a safer, more productive working environment.
Contact Us
- +44 (0)28 9034 2733
- [email protected]
- Hightown Avenue Mallusk, Newtownabbey BT36 4RT
Our Courses
Forklift Training Courses
Counterbalance Forklift Training
A counterbalance forklift is the most common type of forklift used. As the name suggests, it has a weighted rear that helps offset the load that is being transported. This type of forklift is mostly used for carrying heavy loads within a warehouse, construction site or production floor.
The lifting mechanism is performed by two prongs on the front of the vehicle, training participants will be shown how to operate the forks in a safe and controlled manner. Some counterbalance forklifts operate with manual mechanics or via an automated system, participants will be shown how to operate both.
Reach Forklift Training
A reach forklift is capable of transporting goods both vertically and horizontally. It is quite narrow in size, compared to other models like the counterbalance forklift, and it requires the operator to stand whilst operating the vehicle.
This type of forklift also has a long vertical boom arm, which gives operators additional reach capabilities compared to other models. The training course will ensure that participants know how to correctly calculate loads for the forklift’s maximum weight capacity.
Forklift Refresher Course
Our Forklift Refresher Course is tailored for individuals who already possess basic forklift operating skills. These courses aim to update your existing knowledge, introduce you to the latest industry standards, and fine-tune your operational skills to ensure optimum safety and efficiency on the floor.
Why Choose The Academy For Forklift Training?
Practical Learning
Our training emphasises hands-on practical engagement, ensuring that every participant is well-equipped and thoroughly prepared to secure their forklift licence. Our training sets a standard of excellence, ensuring that you or your team are adeptly skilled for the operational demands ahead.
Career Opportunities
For individuals, securing a forklift licence not only broadens the horizon of employment prospects but also elevates your expertise, moulding you into a proficient operator. At The Academy, we are dedicated to helping individuals excel and enhance their forklift operating cababiliess.
Business Training
We also offer forklift training courses to business customers. Businesses stand to gain significantly by having skilled forklift operators on board; it’s a direct ticket to boosting workplace efficiency and enhancing productivity in goods handling operations.
What Does Forklift Training Look Like?
Calculating loads
This is a major part of the forklift training, participants need to know the exact maximum loads that their forklift is capable of lifting and they need to know how to calculate loads before loading them onto their forklift. This prevents the vehicle from toppling over, which could impact worker safety and potentially damage the goods being transported.
Securing a load
Participants will also receive training on how to properly secure a load with the appropriate belts. This portion of the training is imperative to ensure that the loads are secured in place, preventing items from falling off when in transportation.
Spacial awareness
Participants will also receive training on spacial awareness of forklift operations. They will know how to check for blindspots and how to manoeuvre the vehicle when a load is potentially blocking their full view. Again this is important for worker safety and for ensuring the risk of damaged goods is minimised.
Hazard perception
This is another important aspect of forklift training, participants should be able to perform a hazard perception on a continuous basis when operating a forklift. This is particularly important in production floors or warehouses, where there is heavy machinery present and lots of activity taking place.
Participants will be able to quickly identify potential hazards, such as spilt liquids, hazardous objects, fallen debris, etc. They will know how to appropriately deal with and report such hazards, increasing the safety of the workplace and protecting employees from potential harm.
Vehicle maintenance
The forklift training will also cover essential forklift maintenance. This ensures the longevity of the equipment and that operators are able to identify signs of damage which could impact the safety of the vehicle.
Training participants will be made aware of the forklift maintenance requirements, i.e.) ensuring sufficient oil and fuel levels, completing tyre checks, and ensuring that the brakes are in functional order.
Manoeuvring a forklift
Training participants will be shown skilful techniques for manoeuvring a forklift, which is particularly important for ensuring that the goods are being transported in a safe and responsible manner.
Our instructors will provide training on various workplace scenarios, such as reversing around a corner when carrying a load or when trying to manoeuvre around tight spaces and narrow aisles.