What Does a Forklift Driver Do? Forklift drivers are also known as forklift truck drivers or forklift operators. They operate various forklift trucks and use associated accessories to unload, load, transport, lift and lower goods that workers cannot move by hand due to their weight and size. It enables them to transport heavier loads and goods around the premises more quickly and efficiently. Forklift drivers can work in many indoor and outdoor settings, such as construction sites, warehouses, industrial sites, airports, ports, yards, builder’s merchants, factories, manufacturing facilities, garden centres, DIY stores and distribution centres. They can also drive different models and makes of forklift trucks and transport various goods. Therefore, what they do will depend on where they work and their specialisms. A forklift driver aims to use trucks safely, correctly and efficiently while moving goods around and between different locations. They must also ensure the goods loaded, unloaded, carried and stored are kept intact and free from damage. Overall, they have significant responsibility, as they must keep themselves and others safe when operating forklift trucks and moving goods around the premises. Forklift drivers will carry out many tasks, including carrying out daily safety checks, manually handling goods, stacking goods onto pallets, transporting goods, lifting and moving pallets, lifting and lowering goods from racking, correctly storing goods, picking and packing orders, using radio frequency equipment, keeping the work area clean and tidy, carrying out basic maintenance, etc. The role also requires forklift drivers to complete paperwork and keep records. Forklift drivers will be in the cab of their forklift trucks for most of their working days. However, they will also work and liaise with various people. For example, a forklift driver working in a warehouse may work with warehouse managers, supervisors, team leaders, other forklift drivers, warehouse operators, quality controllers, administrators, delivery drivers, suppliers, etc. A forklift driver can work for different-sized organisations, from large distribution and transport companies to small garden centres and builder’s merchants. They usually work full-time in permanent positions, but there are opportunities for part-time work and temporary contracts for some.
Responsibilities A forklift driver’s responsibilities will depend on the type of forklift trucks they operate, where they work and their role. Some examples of their day-to-day duties can include (this list is not exhaustive): Assisting with other duties, where required, e.g. packaging, labelling and shipping in a warehouse. Adhering to health and safety and forklift operating procedures. Carrying out daily safety checks on forklift trucks, equipment and accessories. Checking for any obstructions on routes and removing them and other hazards. Manually handle goods where required. Moving goods around the premises and manoeuvring safely with forklift trucks to the required locations. Lifting and moving pallets using forklift trucks. Safely stacking goods onto pallets and ensuring they are secure. Unstacking goods from pallets. Unloading goods from, and loading goods into, large goods vehicles, aircraft and ships. Lifting goods into racking and lowering them from storage. Storing goods in the correct storage bays. Picking and packing orders. Speaking to other staff using radio frequency equipment. Keeping their working environment clean and tidy, e.g. general housekeeping duties. Carrying out basic maintenance on forklift trucks. Conducting quality checks on goods. Keeping track of stock and inventory. Completing paperwork and keeping records, e.g. stock control and delivery notes.
Working Hours A forklift driver can expect to work 44-46 hours a week, but they can do more or fewer hours depending on their role. Most roles are permanent and full-time, but there may be opportunities to work flexible hours, such as part-time or job share. Being a forklift driver is not a 9-5 job, as many roles are shift based. Therefore, those looking at entering this profession must be committed to working unsociable hours, e.g. early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. They must be able to concentrate at all times, even on night shifts. Forklift drivers tend to work at a single workplace. However, there may be roles where they may need to travel to different sites, e.g. construction work, which can lengthen the working day. Overseas opportunities are rare but may be available to some.
Qualifications There are many different routes to becoming a forklift driver. Individuals could go to college, enrol on a course with a private training provider, apply for an apprenticeship or apply directly. They could also do work experience to help them enter the role.
College/private Training Individuals can become forklift drivers by undertaking a college course, such as the Level 2 Award or Certificate in Forklift Truck Operations. They usually need two or more GCSEs grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) or equivalent for a Level 2 course. Numerous private training companies offer forklift truck courses, which differ in quality, cost, entry requirements and duration. It is better to choose accredited companies (e.g. RTITB and ITSSAR), as they will adhere to the correct training standards. The HSE has further information on lift-truck training. It may also be worth doing low-cost online courses to gain theoretical knowledge of forklift driving and see if it would be a suitable career choice. That way, if not, it will save an individual a lot of time and trouble. Courses and qualifications do not guarantee a role as a forklift driver, but a certificate is necessary for most jobs. Always check the entry requirements before applying for courses.
Apprenticeships There is an apprenticeship route to help individuals become forklift drivers, e.g. supply chain warehouse operative intermediate apprenticeship. Individuals usually need some GCSEs, including English and maths, or equivalent. Opportunities are on Government’s Apprenticeships, Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and Indeed. There is also the National Forklift Truck Apprenticeship Scheme. Employers may also advertise forklift driver apprenticeships on most job websites.
Applying Directly Individuals can also apply directly to companies for jobs which they usually advertise on their websites or job sites. The skills and experience required will depend on each employer, but most require some GCSEs, including English and maths, and may also ask for a valid forklift certificate. Some employers may give individuals forklift truck training after starting work if they have relevant experience, e.g. construction, warehouse or transport work.
Where Do Forklift Drivers Work? Forklift drivers can work in various industries and workplace types. Some examples include (this list is not exhaustive):
Warehouses (most common workplace). Construction and building sites. Agricultural sites. Shipping yards and docks. Ports. Airports. Rail terminals. Garden centres. Recycling facilities. Large retailers, e.g. supermarkets and DIY stores. Distribution centres. Factories. Manufacturing facilities. Builders and timber yards and merchants. Event venues and attractions. Some forklift drivers work outside, inside or both. They can work for different employers or recruitment agencies.
Some examples of average salaries for forklift drivers are as follows: £9.78 per hour (Payscale). £12.27 per hour (Indeed UK). £17,000 starter to £30,000 experienced a year (National Careers Service). £23,073 a year (Glassdoor). £23,795.50 a year or £11.44 per hour (Check-a-Salary). £25,849 a year (Reed). As an apprentice, the salary will depend on an individual’s age and how long they have been in their apprenticeship. Apprentices must earn at least the current National Minimum Wage (NMW). Some employers will pay more than this. However, it will depend on the organisation and role on offer.