Forklift Training
Train on the equipment your crew actually uses. Our Forklift Training combines theory, hands-on equipment operation, and practical operator evaluation for counterbalance and rough-terrain forklifts, with Telehandler training available as an equipment-specific add-on.
Hands-On Forklift Operator Training
Forklift & Telehandler Training helps experienced operators build and demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills needed to operate powered lift trucks more safely. Forklift is the primary focus of the course, with training available for counterbalance and rough-terrain forklifts.
Telehandler training can be added when workers also operate variable-reach equipment. Because Telehandlers introduce different controls, reach characteristics, load-chart considerations, and operating limitations, they require additional equipment-specific instruction and practical evaluation.
Training combines instructor-led theory with hands-on equipment operation. Participants review pre-operational inspections, stability, load centres, capacity information, pedestrian hazards, travelling and manoeuvring, load handling, ramps and grades, workplace conditions, and safe shutdown procedures.
Practical training is a central part of the course. Participants operate the applicable equipment and complete an individual practical operator evaluation rather than receiving a certificate through classroom attendance alone.
Private on-site training allows us to work with equipment relevant to the participant's actual job. We prefer that employers provide the forklift, rough-terrain forklift, or Telehandler their workers normally use. If suitable equipment is not available, we can help coordinate rental equipment when required.
Training and evaluation need to reflect the equipment the worker is expected to operate. Completing training on one type of forklift should not be treated as automatic qualification to operate every forklift, Telehandler, attachment, or substantially different piece of equipment.
A StartSafe training certificate documents successful course completion and the applicable equipment training. Employers remain responsible for determining and maintaining operator competency for the actual equipment, workplace conditions, hazards, and duties involved.
Course Topics and Learning Outcomes
Build practical lift-truck knowledge, understand the factors that affect equipment stability and capacity, and demonstrate controlled operation of the equipment you are being trained to use.
Recognize Lift-Truck Hazards
Identify hazards involving stability, moving equipment, pedestrians, visibility, loads, operating surfaces, and changing workplace conditions.
Complete Pre-Operational Checks
Understand how to inspect the lift truck and its attachments, identify potential defects, and recognize when equipment should not be operated.
Understand Stability & Capacity
Understand centre of gravity, load centres, capacity plates, stability principles, and the factors that can affect how safely a truck handles a load.
Travel & Manoeuvre Safely
Apply safer operating practices for starting, stopping, steering, reversing, turning, ramps, grades, pedestrian areas, and travelling with or without loads.
Handle Loads Safely
Develop practical skills for approaching, lifting, carrying, positioning, stacking, destacking, and placing loads while remaining within equipment limits.
Demonstrate Equipment-Specific Operation
Demonstrate controlled operation of the applicable counterbalance forklift, rough-terrain forklift, or Telehandler during an individual practical operator evaluation.
Who This Course Is For
Forklift Training is intended for workers who operate counterbalance or rough-terrain forklifts as part of their job. Telehandler training can be added for workers who also operate variable-reach equipment. The training required should reflect the equipment and duties each worker actually performs.
- Forklift Operators
- Warehouse Workers
- Shipping & Receiving Employees
- Material-Handling Workers
- Manufacturing Employees
- Construction Workers
- Equipment Operators
- Lumber-Yard & Building-Supply Workers
- Industrial Workers
- Maintenance Personnel
- Rough-Terrain Forklift Operators
- Telehandler Operators
Training Your Operators?
We provide private group training for up to 12 participants, with pricing based on your group size and equipment needs. Client-supplied equipment is preferred for on-site training, or we can help coordinate rental equipment when required. Let us know if your crew also needs the Telehandler add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about equipment coverage, Telehandler training, practical evaluation, operator requirements, certification, and private on-site training.
What equipment will I train on, and is Telehandler training included?
Forklift Training can cover counterbalance and rough-terrain forklifts. Telehandler or variable-reach forklift training is not automatically included, but it can be added when workers operate that equipment. Telehandlers require additional equipment-specific instruction and practical evaluation because their controls, reach characteristics, load charts, and operating limitations differ from standard forklifts.
Will I operate a forklift during the course?
Yes. Training combines instructor-led theory with hands-on equipment operation and an individual practical operator evaluation. Participants must demonstrate practical operating skills on the applicable equipment rather than completing classroom theory alone.
Do I need previous forklift experience?
Yes. Our current group-training format is intended for workers who already have operating experience with the equipment being evaluated. If a worker is completely new to forklift operation, contact us before arranging training so we can review the training time and practical requirements.
Do I need a forklift licence in Ontario?
Ontario does not issue one universal forklift licence that automatically qualifies a worker to operate every type of lift truck. Our Forklift & Telehandler Training certificate is valid for three years under our current training standard and documents the equipment-specific training and evaluation completed. Employers remain responsible for ensuring workers are competent for the actual equipment, workplace conditions, hazards, and duties they perform.
How does private on-site Forklift Training work for my crew?
We provide private on-site group training for up to 12 participants, with pricing based on the number of workers and equipment involved. We prefer to use suitable equipment supplied by the employer so workers train on equipment relevant to their workplace. If suitable equipment is not available, we can help coordinate rental equipment when required. Tell us if your group also needs Telehandler training when requesting the course.
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