Following the success of its innovative Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) Instructor course launched in 2024, RTITB is set to introduce a new customisable Instructor training program.
Since launching in June 2024, RTITB’s modernised MHE Instructor course has seen 741 candidates complete the course with an average score of 79.46%. This has prompted the introduction of a new Instructor course with different pathways for five machine types.
Initially, the delivery of the new course can be tailored to train Instructors for three types of equipment: Tow Tractors, Overhead Cranes (OHC), and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP). Options for Multidirectional Trucks and Slinging and Signalling Instructors will follow later.
Whichever pathway is chosen, the new course is designed to meet the evolving needs and learning styles of today’s training candidates, with a joint focus on confidence and competence.
“Operator safety and efficiency begin with quality training, and that depends on Instructors with the right expertise,” says Laura Nelson, Managing Director for RTITB. “Since the launch of the MHE Instructor course last year, we’ve seen how taking a modernised approach to training has a positive impact on Instructor candidates and those they train.”
A survey of nearly 800 candidates who completed the RTITB MHE Instructor course between June 2024 and May 2025 revealed very positive feedback:
- Nearly 100% would recommend RTITB to their employer or friends.
- 99% found the RTITB LMS (Learning Managing System) platform helpful for eLearning and mock assessments.
- 95% found the knowledge assessment questions clear and easy to understand.
- 98% felt at ease with the Examiner during assessments.
- 98% found the online assessment platform easy to navigate.
The MHE Instructor course was the first of its kind to incorporate reasonable adjustments for greater inclusion. It also aligns with both modern training expectations and diverse learning styles. This forward-thinking approach has proven highly effective, prompting RTITB to develop the new Instructor course to cater to other equipment types.
“We are building on the revamped MHE Instructor training to offer new training pathways that have the same focus on behaviour alongside knowledge and skills,” explains Laura.
“This will help more companies uphold the highest standards and address the unique training needs of each type of machine. It also aims to foster a culture of safety, excellence, and diversity across our industry,” she continues.
In February 2023, RTITB noted an upswing in female lift truck instructors. With 2.1% of all delegates qualifying as RTITB Lift Truck Instructors or Pallet Truck Instructors identifying as female. At the time, only 0.37% of all RTITB Lift Truck Instructors were female.
More recent statistics reveal that there are still more male candidates training as Instructors than females. However, the percentage of females who have completed the training (71%) was slightly higher than for males (67%).
“Females still make up a small percentage of Instructors overall,” Laura adds. “But we hope that these positive results, coupled with our modernised training, may help to encourage more female candidates to sign up.”
The flexible new course also offers two different routes to entry, removing some of the barriers to careers as a professional Instructor while maintaining the highest industry standards. Previously, a candidate would need counterbalance or reach truck operator certifications to become an MHE Instructor.
Route 1 will be a five-day novice Instructor course covering a single equipment type. Route 2 offers a 10-day novice Instructor course that also qualifies candidates to train on additional equipment types. If they already hold valid operator certificates. Each is designed to make sure Instructors are fully prepared to deliver precise, impactful, and relevant training.
As with the successful MHE Instructor course, the new Instructor training will use a ‘flipped classroom’ model. This means candidates complete self-paced eLearning before attending face-to-face sessions. The approach allows Instructors to confirm and reinforce learning more effectively.
It will also reflect the modernised RTITB examination process. Previously, both the theory test and presentation for Instructors were held on the final day. This could cause unnecessary pressure. The new format spreads assessments across the course, offering a more comprehensive and less stressful evaluation of candidate ability. All assessments will be specific to the particular machine type training pathway.
“When you combine credible, compliant training materials with compelling delivery, you not only train competent candidates, you also get the ability to influence the culture and behaviours that can measurably improve safety in your business,” says Laura.
She concludes: “Instructor training is more than ‘just a course’ – it’s a solution that creates long term change and can even save lives.”
For more information, visit www.rtitb.com, email solutions@rtitb.com, or call +44 (0)1952 520200.