Novice Forklift Training in Accrington
GH Training delivers AITT-accredited forklift and material handling equipment training at business premises in Accrington and the surrounding Hyndburn area.
Our novice courses help employees develop the knowledge, practical ability and safety awareness needed before operating workplace equipment independently.
Call 01925 500796
Who Is Novice Training For?
A novice course is intended for someone with no previous formal training or practical operating experience on the relevant equipment category.
It may be suitable for:
- New warehouse or production employees
- Existing staff moving into an operating role
- Apprentices or trainees taking on equipment duties
- Employees whose previous experience is insufficient for an experienced operator course
- Operators learning a completely different type of equipment
Novice training should not be shortened simply because an employee has watched other operators or occasionally moved equipment without formal instruction.
What Does a Novice Forklift Course Include?
Course content depends on the equipment, but forklift training normally covers:
- Operator responsibilities
- Basic safety principles
- Truck stability and capacity
- Pre-use inspections
- Controls and instruments
- Starting, stopping and parking
- Steering and manoeuvring
- Load assessment
- Stacking and de-stacking
- Operating around pedestrians
- Theory and practical assessments
Training develops progressively so the operator can practise individual skills before completing more complex exercises.
Counterbalance Novice Courses
Counterbalance forklifts are commonly used in warehouses, production areas, external yards and vehicle-loading operations.
A novice counterbalance course typically takes three to five days, depending on operator numbers and training requirements.
View Counterbalance Forklift Training
Reach Truck Novice Courses
Reach trucks are designed for warehouse work involving pallet storage and retrieval from racking.
Operators must learn equipment-specific controls, steering, clearance awareness and safe stacking techniques.
Other Operator Courses
Accrington businesses can also arrange training for:
- Pivot steer forklifts
- Multidirectional lift trucks
- Pedestrian pallet trucks
- Vertical stock pickers
- Mobile elevating work platforms
- Overhead gantry cranes
- Slinger signaller operations
What Must the Employer Provide?
Training is delivered at your Accrington workplace using your equipment.
The employer will normally need to provide:
- A safe and serviceable machine
- Manufacturer operating instructions
- A suitable area for practical exercises
- Representative loads and pallets
- Appropriate personal protective equipment
- Enough uninterrupted time for the course
Operators must be medically fit to use the equipment safely and able to understand the course instruction.
After the Operator Passes
Successful operators receive appropriate evidence of training for the equipment category assessed.
Before the employee begins working independently, the employer should provide:
- Job-specific instruction
- Familiarisation with the workplace
- Information about local hazards and procedures
- Written workplace authorisation where appropriate
- Ongoing supervision and monitoring
Passing a training course does not remove the employer’s responsibility to manage workplace transport safely.
Accrington and Hyndburn Coverage
GH Training supports businesses in Accrington and nearby East Lancashire areas, including Blackburn, Burnley and Darwen.
Training is also available in Preston, Chorley and other locations across Lancashire.
Arrange Novice Training in Accrington
Tell us which equipment the employee will use, how many learners require training and what facilities are available at your premises.
We will recommend the appropriate course and provide a tailored quotation.
Call 01925 500796