Forklifts are motor-driven vehicles that are widely used in warehouses, large retail stores, factories, and ports. They significantly facilitate loading and unloading work, as they enable the transport of goods with very large mass – even up to several dozen tons! The forklift control system resembles that known from cars, however, anyone who wants to become a forklift operator must undergo specialized training, during which they will acquire knowledge and skills that qualify them to operate this vehicle.

What does a forklift course look like?

Forklift training can be attended by any adult who has completed at least elementary school. Participants are often people looking for their first job that will provide them with financial stability, however, among the trainees there are also people who have decided to change careers. Many people decide to take the course while planning to go abroad – it’s a useful qualification that makes it easier to find work in a foreign country. The forklift course consists of two parts:

  • Theoretical part – the participant learns about the construction and operation of forklifts and learns the principles of vehicle operation. In addition, this part also covers safety and occupational health principles. Duration: approximately 25 hours.
  • Practical part – the trainee, after acquiring theoretical knowledge, sits behind the wheel of a forklift and learns ways to maneuver the vehicle. Duration: approximately 10 hours.

According to the Technical Supervision Office – the institution that regulates issues related to training programs for operating technical equipment, forklift training should last a total of 35 hours. An optional 4 additional hours are also provided as part of the Supplementary Program.

How much does forklift operator training cost?

Forklift courses can be divided into 3 different categories, and the training price will vary depending on which category you choose. You can choose:

  • I WJO – covers learning to operate all lifting trucks, including specialized equipment with variable reach or lifting loads upward together with the operator. The cost of obtaining qualifications ranges from 1000 to 1300 PLN.
  • II WHO – the most frequently chosen category, which applies to all lifting trucks, excluding specialized equipment. The price of this course ranges from 500 to 800 PLN.
  • III WJO – people taking this course will acquire qualifications for ride-on lifting forklifts and remotely controlled ones. The training price should not exceed 500 PLN, but people after completing III WJO cannot operate courses from higher categories.

Additionally, among European Union programs, you can find subsidies that cover up to 80% of the training.

Who can train forklift operators?

Who can provide forklift training? All vocational training centers and training companies that have agreed their training program with the Technical Supervision Office. The second way to obtain qualifications is training by the employer before starting work, however, such qualifications are only valid in the workplace that conducted the forklift training. In case of job change, they lose their validity.

Who conducts the forklift exam?

If you decide to take a forklift course at an authorized center or training company, you will obtain long-term qualifications. For this purpose, after completing the training, you must take an exam, which is conducted by the Technical Supervision Office.