In 2018 the RTITB Instructor Academy saw increased demand for its Lift Truck Instructor course, so much so that we’ve added new dates to the 2019 calendar to cope with demand. But why is this course proving to be so important for businesses wanting an in-house lift truck instructor?
Whether training is delivered in-house or outsourced, quality Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) training from a correctly trained instructor (supervised and supported by accreditation) helps to increase the safety of operators, and pedestrians, while reducing damage to vehicles, equipment, stock, and warehouse racking.
However, in-house training typically goes a step further, focussing on specific hazards or operational processes that are unique to the particular site or business. There are tremendous benefits which could explain the increasing trend in onsite lift truck trainers.
In-house lift truck instructors bring safety to the heart of an operation
With a full understanding of the day-to-day tasks required, an inhouse Lift Truck Instructor can deliver training that is tailored to meet the specific needs of the operators, which helps optimise overall safety.
Basic Training and Specific Job Training should take place ‘off the job’, without the pressures of production. Familiarisation Training must be carried out on the job, under close supervision, as ‘familiarisation’ is not only required of the truck but also the site layout, local emergency procedures and any other feature of the work which it is not practicable to teach off the job.
Convenience and reduced cost
Depending on the size of the business, overall training costs are often reduced. With in-house Instructors, training is more easily integrated into daily operations, fitting around business needs with the minimum disruption. There may well be more flexibility, as trainees don’t have to wait for availability from another business or need to travel off-site which can incur additional costs and extra time, moreover, courses can be rescheduled without cancellation costs.
Daily operations and future lift truck training
In-house instructors help to raise day-to-day operating standards in the workplace. They can monitor and assess operators on-site and intervene to help prevent any potential incidents that might occur as a result of bad practice. Furthermore, they can identify whereremedial or refresher training is needed to maintain ongoing compliance.
Help staff grow and retain them
Training delivered by a known and trusted colleague may also benefit the operators’ learning experience and Instructors will often be seen as mentors helping staff through their early career. They are then well placed to identify future development opportunities for good candidates who show ambition.
Additionally, an in-house instructor can use the training process to instil the company’s ethics and standards as part of an operator’s development. The investment in ongoing training helps employees to feel more valued and increases their loyalty to a business, reducing staff turnover, and the associated costs.
What does the RTITB Lift Truck Instructor Course cover?
The RTITB Instructor Academy’s “Lift Truck Instructor” courseteaches delegates how to plan, prepare and deliver effective training to operators, taking into consideration areas of concern for safety and efficiency.They are designed to increase your operational efficiency, reduce your business risk and increase your margins from reduced damage and downtime.
To become a qualified Lift Truck Instructor, candidates must attend the 10-day course and successfully complete an impartial examination which includes operating skills, a theory paper and the candidate’s delivery of practical instruction.
The trainer-in-training must be able to operate a lift truck to a higher than average standard, understand the implications of incorrect and unsafe practices, have the skills to deliver practical and theory training, and know how to carry out and train others to thoroughly inspect a lift truck prior to use.
Training courses can be adapted to incorporate the standards and culture of the employers’ business, alongside the high standards held by RTITB. This assists businesses with both effective training delivery and legal compliance.
In 2018, hundreds of delegates attended the RTITB Academy Lift Truck Instructor course which is an increase on previous years. And with demand set to continue, we have added extra dates to our training calendar. See our 2019 RTITB Instructor academy course dates, but book your places early to avoid disappointment.
The dedicated RTITB Instructor Academy provides LGV instructor, forklift, pallet truck and overhead crane instructor training courses to develop qualified, professional in-house instructors that fit specific business needs. Courses can be delivered on your premises, anywhere in the world, or at the RTITB Instructor Academy in the West Midlands, UK.
Contact the Academy Training Solutions Executive Tracey Bennett on 01952 520214.