Are you thinking of becoming a forklift driver? There are plenty of career opportunities out there, provided you have the training and the required aptitude for this line of work.
Forklift trucks have a compact design which allows it to be maneuvered easily by its driver. It’s a very efficient vehicle in a workplace. However, it can become unstable sometimes when it starts to carry loads.
Safety First
Australian Safety Standards govern the working conditions and expectations of employers whose staff operate a forklift.
All forklift drivers should be wearing protective clothes and conduct pre-shift checks of the forklift before using it. When defects are detected, it must be reported to the supervisor immediately.
Its path must be free from obstructions, so it’s important that the driver is 100% alert all the time.
“Operator safety is arguably the most important part of any safe system of work for plant & equipment”, says Dave Robson of Plant Assessor in NSW.
Never wait for an accident or injury to occur in the workplace, a safe system of work must be enforced first. Never handle a forklift truck without enough training and protection.
Current Employment Trends
According to current rates listed at PayScale, the salary of a forklift driver in Australia is on an average wage of $22.43 per hour. The salary of forklift drivers doesn’t change much with years of experience at the same level of operation.
You might also find it difficult to find a forklift driver who has more than 20 years experience.
According to Australia’s National Hourly Rate, the rate per hour starts from AU$18.64 to $27.73. On the other hand, your typical overtime wage will start from $26.80 to $50.46
If you are lucky enough get some bonus, PayScale says that forklift drivers can earn an average of $645.00 in additional payments.
Typical bonuses can start from $305.21 to $1,965. All in all, they can earn $39,063 to $61,283 yearly.
Training Requirements and Opportunities in NSW
As a forklift driver, the first thing that would be asked of you is credibility. Are you certified to be a forklift driver in NSW?
Not all training provided for forklift drivers are equal. So, it is better to do some research first before enrolling in any course. This will ensure you will get the right course that the company you applied for requires.
It’s a good idea to talk to your new employer. Some providers, like All Class Training in Newcastle, can also provide your training on the job.
Being able to provide training in the workplace that is recognised is a plus for many employers.
The use of any heavy machinery or earth moving equipment requires technical skills training. Image Courtesy of GSS (http://gssystems.com.au).
Im
First of all, to be trained as a forklift driver, your age must be 18 and above. You’ve got to have a good grasp of the English language whether verbal or non-verbal.
To get the test, you have to earn 100 points of identification to get a license. This includes your passport license, your passport, your birth certificate, or any proof of address.
Before you get your license, decide what type of license you want to get.
An LF license allows you to operate or use any forklift vehicle, but there may be some restrictions in using a stock picker forklift or order picker.
On the other hand, the LO license allows you to operate the stock picker forklift or order picker only.
The training for each course depends on your capacity and needs especially if you are a newbie in this field or seeking for a refresher course only.
For one day courses, this is suitable for forklift drivers with experience and basic understanding about forklift driving.
This is usually referred as a refresher course to enhance their skills and improve safety in the workplace. For two days courses, this is suitable for beginners with little or no background about forklift driving.
Are you ready to get in the training course? Feel free to ask some questions to a trainer before enrolling.