On-Site Forklift Conversion Training
GH Training provides AITT-accredited conversion training for formally trained forklift operators who need to operate another category or significantly different type of material-handling equipment.
The course builds on the operator’s existing knowledge while addressing the controls, handling characteristics, stability principles and operating techniques of the new truck.
Training is delivered at customer premises using the equipment operators will use at work.
Call 01925 500796
When Is Conversion Training Required?
Conversion training should be considered when a trained operator moves to equipment with materially different characteristics.
Examples can include:
- Counterbalance forklift to reach truck
- Reach truck to counterbalance forklift
- Counterbalance to pivot steer truck
- Reach truck to pivot steer truck
- Conventional forklift to multidirectional equipment
- Rider-operated forklift to powered pedestrian pallet truck
- Forklift to vertical stock picker
- A conventional truck to equipment using a specialist attachment
The requirement should be based on the differences between the operator’s existing training and the new equipment—not simply the equipment’s manufacturer or model name.
Who Can Attend a Conversion Course?
Candidates should already have suitable formal training and current operating ability on a relevant truck category.
Before confirming the course, GH Training may need to establish:
- The category on which the operator was originally trained
- When that training was completed
- Whether the operator still uses that equipment
- Their recent practical experience
- The new truck category
- The duties they will perform
- Whether specialist attachments are involved
- Any significant differences in the workplace
Previous evidence of training should be provided where available.
An operator without suitable formal training may need novice or experienced-operator training instead.
Complete the Free Training Gap Check
What Does Conversion Training Cover?
Course content depends on the relationship between the original and new equipment categories.
Equipment Characteristics
Operators learn about relevant differences in:
- Truck design and configuration
- Steering system
- Operator position
- Controls and instruments
- Mast or lifting mechanism
- Rated capacity
- Load centre
- Stability characteristics
- Visibility and observation
- Braking and travel
- Battery, fuel or charging arrangements
Pre-Use Inspection
Training covers the inspection procedure for the new equipment, including category-specific components, safety systems and defect-reporting requirements.
Manoeuvring
Practical exercises may include:
- Forward and reverse travel
- Steering and turning characteristics
- Judging clearances
- Operating within confined areas
- Positioning at racking or loads
- Safe stopping and parking
- Pedestrian and vehicle awareness
Load Handling
Depending on the equipment, candidates may practise:
- Approaching and engaging loads
- Load assessment and stability
- Picking up and depositing
- Stacking and de-stacking
- Pallet placement and retrieval
- Handling long or bulky materials
- Using an attachment correctly
- Travelling with different load configurations
Relevant theory and practical assessments are included.
Common Equipment Conversions
Counterbalance to Reach Truck
A counterbalance operator moving to a reach truck must adapt to different steering, controls, load handling and warehouse operating conditions.
Reach trucks are commonly used around pallet racking and require accurate positioning and clearance awareness.
Reach Truck to Counterbalance
Operators moving from reach equipment may need additional instruction for external yards, vehicle loading, counterbalance stability and travelling over different surfaces.
View Counterbalance Forklift Training
Counterbalance or Reach to Pivot Steer
Flexi and Bendi-type trucks use articulated steering and behave differently within narrow aisles. Existing counterbalance or reach training does not automatically cover these characteristics.
View Pivot Steer Forklift Training
Conventional Forklift to Multidirectional Truck
Multidirectional equipment may travel and handle loads in several directions. Operators must understand its control modes, wheel alignment, stability and techniques for moving long materials.
View Multidirectional Forklift Training
Conversion or Familiarisation?
Not every change of machine requires a full conversion course.
Familiarisation may be appropriate when a trained operator moves to another truck within the same category and the differences can be addressed through supervised workplace instruction.
This could include changes to:
- Control layout
- Manufacturer or model
- Starting and shutdown procedure
- Battery or fuelling system
- Safety devices
- Capacity and dimensions
- Workplace traffic routes
- Loads or local operating procedures
Conversion training is more likely to be required when the new equipment belongs to another category or has substantially different operating and stability characteristics.
The decision should follow a suitable comparison of the operator’s existing competence with the new equipment and duties.
Conversion or Refresher Training?
A conversion course teaches a trained operator to use different equipment. Refresher training reassesses and updates skills on a category for which the operator has already received formal instruction.
An operator may need both when they:
- Have not operated for a prolonged period
- Cannot demonstrate current competence
- Have developed unsafe practices
- Require reassessment on their original category
- Are also moving to significantly different equipment
View Forklift Refresher Training
How Long Does Conversion Training Take?
Conversion training commonly takes one to two days, but duration depends on:
- The differences between the two truck categories
- The operator’s existing competence
- Number of candidates
- Complexity of the new equipment
- Attachments and load types
- Workplace operating conditions
- Candidate progress during training
A short course is only suitable when the operator has relevant, transferable skills and can meet the required assessment standard.
The HSE advises that an operator trained on one type of lift truck or attachment cannot safely operate another without necessary conversion training. HSE lift-truck training guidance
Training at Your Workplace
The customer will normally need to provide:
- Safe and serviceable equipment of the new category
- Manufacturer operating instructions
- A suitable controlled practical area
- Representative pallets or loads
- Documentation for relevant attachments
- Appropriate personal protective equipment
- Previous operator-training information
- Enough time to complete instruction and assessment
Normal production and vehicle activity may need to be separated from the training area.
After Conversion Training
Successful completion provides evidence of training and assessment on the new equipment category.
The employer must still:
- Provide necessary specific job training
- Complete workplace familiarisation
- Explain local rules and hazards
- Confirm the operator’s permitted duties
- Issue formal workplace authorisation
- Monitor continuing performance
- Restrict operation to appropriate equipment
Authorisation should identify the categories or equipment the employee is permitted to use.
Areas Covered
GH Training delivers on-site conversion courses across:
Arrange Forklift Conversion Training
When requesting a quotation, tell us:
- The operator’s current trained category
- The new equipment category
- Dates and details of previous formal training
- Their recent operating experience
- Number of operators
- Loads and attachments involved
- Training location
- Preferred dates
GH Training will review the information and confirm whether conversion training—or another course type—is appropriate.
Call 01925 500796