We often get calls from young people who ask us how they can become a forklift operator. While it seems like an easy question, there are certain requirements that make the answer a little complicated. We’re going to try to unsnarl the details here:
First, you have to be 18 and have your high school diploma. That’s the simplest part.
Secondly, you can’t just walk into a warehouse and ask to be hired as a forklift operator. OSHA says you must have certification.
Acquiring the proper credentials is a two-fold process. Some community colleges offer the first part of the training, which is an on-line portion focusing mostly on safety and basic operation. We’ve gone through this part of the training for this blog and you can find those articles here.
Now, you may get lucky and walk into a facility that will pay for the first part of your training- but honestly this is rare. Try to find a place like a community college where you can get certified in the first part of the process. Having this in your back pocket when you walk into a warehouse will make you a more attractive candidate for an open position.
For the second part of the process your employer must acquire training for you – and this is important- on the very forklift unit you will be operating. This is where it gets challenging- to get hired you have to have training but to get training you have to get hired.
The best advice we can give you is to get the first part of the training as we mentioned- then get a job in a warehouse and work your way up to forklift operator.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, and we do offer training to companies with new forklift operators, supplying businesses with both parts of the process. Don’t hesitate to call us for training.