How to Become a Reach Forklift Truck Driver

Understanding the Reach Forklift Driver Role

A reach forklift driver is an integral role within warehouses as they are instrumental in moving and reaching goods and materials stored there. It requires precision and concentration, and it can be a physically demanding, but also rewarding, role. A reach forklift driver will be able to reach heights of up to 4.5 metres and requires strong attention to detail. Working as a reach forklift driver, you will both be part of a team and need to be able to work independently to ensure that goods are where they need to be and stored correctly within your warehouse. It can be a rewarding role for people looking to work within the industrial space.

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Reach Forklift Driver Dress Code

When working as a reach forklift driver, you’ll be required to wear reasonably fitted clothes, including fitted t-shirts, company-branded clothing, and high-visibility jackets. Clothing should not be loose as this can be dangerous when working with machinery.

Key Responsibilities

As a reach forklift driver, your role is important for the smooth operations of the warehouse. You’ll be required to use your concentration and attention to detail to ensure that goods and materials are stored, handled, and transported correctly.

Tips for Reach Forklift Drivers

Becoming a reach forklift driver requires specific training and certification, so make sure that you keep your licences within date and know the specific providers for renewing or gaining the right training. In the UK, there are various approved training companies: Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT), Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSR), Lantra Awards, National Plant Operators Registration Scheme, and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). It is also important that you work safely so make sure that your eyesight or glass prescriptions are regularly tested, wear sensible footwear for walking and driving in a warehouse, and that your clothing is tucked in.

Reach Forklift Certification and Training Requirements

Becoming a reach forklift driver is a specialist role that requires specific licensing and training requirements to perform your role safely and to the highest standards. Whether you’re renewing your license or getting it for the first time, staying updated with your certifications is a must for this role.

Gaining Your Forklift License

When it comes to driving a forklift, there are various certifications you can obtain through training. You will need different training for each forklift as being able to drive one doesn’t automatically qualify you to drive all forklifts – check with your training providers and recruiters to ensure that you have the right, in-date, certifications.

Some of the different forklift training vehicle courses include:

• Industrial Reach Forklift Truck
• Telescopic Handler Forklift
• Rough Terrain Forklift

Safety Training for Forklift Trucks

Training for your specific forklift is essential for the health and safety of the workplace. Training will include an understanding of the load capacity and stability of the vehicle, how to drive the vehicle, and more. This will ensure that you’re able to safely operate the machinery in a way that keeps you, the equipment, and your colleagues safe. Other safety training for the warehouse can also be important. There are various providers across the UK able to offer reach forklift safety training that is AITT approved.

Skills for Reach Forklift Drivers

Outside of the training and certifications needed to become a reach forklift driver, there are some key skills that can help you perform well within the role. These skills are centred around teamwork and hand-eye coordination which are vital for being able to operate this machinery safely.

Spatial Awareness and Precision

The first skill necessary if you’re looking to become a reach forklift driver is spatial awareness. You’ll be needing to transport and store goods and materials both throughout the warehouse floor and at height so spatial awareness is necessary for the safety of the products, as well as ensuring anyone working on the warehouse floor is at a safe distance from your vehicle. You’ll also be requiring precision to make sure that goods are stored and grabbed correctly from shelving – even at height.

Machine Operation Expertise

When it comes to being a reach forklift driver, you will need to have a good understanding of how your machinery operates. This not only includes the ability to manoeuvre all parts of the forklift accurately, but also an understanding of the maintenance of your machinery. This way, you’ll be able to notice any damage to the vehicle, troubleshoot common problems, and understand the safety necessities when operating your machinery. By having the right expertise about your vehicle, you can ensure the safety and performance of your role.  

Team Communication Skills

Working in a warehouse required strong communication skills. While you will be working alone on your forklift, you will need to communicate and work as a team with the other members, and other forklift drivers, within the warehouse. This means that you’ll need excellent verbal communication, being able to accurately explain movements, ensure timing, and support others on the warehouse floor. Team communication skills can be built from working within the warehouse environment and getting to know your colleagues.

Career Opportunities for Reach Forklift Drivers

When it comes to becoming a reach forklift driver, there are two routes of progression. Depending on what you’re looking for, this can be a great position to support long-term or flexible employment suited to your lifestyle.

Temp Roles for Building Experience

A temporary position as a reach forklift driver can be a great way to experience the warehouse environment, especially if you have prior experience driving trucks or forklifts. Temporary roles can help you build experience within a new sector, gain a better understanding of warehouse production lines, as well as give you the experience within various driving positions to build your career portfolio. Whether you’re looking to start a new career in industrial work or need a position that can fit flexibly around your lifestyle commitments, working in a warehouse temporarily can be the right answer for you.

Pathways to Supervisory Positions

Whether you start as a temporary or full-time reach forklift driver, these positions can lead you to bigger responsibilities within the warehouse. This role, as a vital part of the warehouse infrastructure, can provide you the understanding of operations that you need to apply for and be successful in supervisory positions. By gaining a basic understanding of the day-to-day work, you’ll be in a better position to manage and work within supervisory roles, ensuring the safely, smooth running, and timekeeping of the warehouse.

FAQs on Becoming a Reach Forklift Driver

What Training Do You Need to Operate a Reach Forklift?

A reach forklift is a specialised vehicle that requires specific training to operate. You’ll need to do a comprehensive reach forklift training program that shows you how to operate, manage, and safely work your machine. In the UK, there are various approved training companies:

• Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT)
• Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register (ITSSR)
• Lantra Awards
• National Plant Operators Registration Scheme
• Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

What is the Average Salary for Reach Forklift Drivers in the UK?

The average salary for a reach forklift driver is £23,000 a year or £12+ an hour. While this is a specialised role, some entry positions can start at £21,000 a year, with more specialised positions reaching £27,000-30,000 a year.

How is a Reach Forklift Different from a Counterbalance Forklift?

A reach forklift and a counterbalance forklift are two different vehicles that operate differently and require different training courses in order to operate safely and efficiently. A reach forklift is specifically designed to work within narrow aisles and reach greater heights than a counterbalance forklift.

Learn more about how to become a counterbalance forklift driver.