Battle the lift truck instructor shortage

Currently, warehousing and logistics businesses do not have enough qualified lift truck instructors to deliver essential operator training. This means there are still training bottlenecks, dating back to the Covid-19 pandemic. Operators may have to wait weeks or months for training, impacting on operational productivity.

One solution is to empower existing employees to deliver operator training in-house. Businesses can upskill, reskill, and cross-skill their people through lift truck instructor training.

Upskill from within the team

Upskilling existing team members to become lift truck instructors helps to close the problematic skills gap. Lift truck operators, warehouse operatives, or supervisors may be keen to develop their career within the business. 

They come with the benefit of an understanding of the existing business and operations. Furthermore, operators often respond well to being trained by a trusted colleague.

This approach can set out a clear career progression path for others, such as apprentices who may have a future in the business. In a competitive recruitment market, this is a powerful way to stand out as an attractive employer.

Reskill and retain valuable talent

Within an organisation, there are always likely to be people seeking a new career path. Perhaps a manager or supervisor keen to step back into a more hands-on role, for example. Training as a Lift Truck Instructor can give them a new focus, while retaining their valuable knowledge in the business.

There may also be team members from completely different departments, interested in taking on a new challenge. A lift truck instructor course could help them to find a new fulfilling and engaging career direction. In turn, improving morale and loyalty.

Cross-skill to maximise potential

Some businesses already employ Instructors in-house, but simply don’t use their professional skills to the fullest.

For instance, a qualified LGV instructor, pallet truck instructor, or Driver CPC Instructor could train to become a lift truck instructor, further adding to their skillset. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional development and adds variety to their role. It could even be a stepping stone towards a management position.

This approach creates a more agile workforce, as they can retain their existing role alongside their role as a lift truck instructors where needed.

Organising training also becomes easier as Instructors have a greater number of courses they can deliver.

Where to start

The first step is to identify gaps in skills and knowledge. If there are time pressures on training, it may be helpful to train those who are already best prepared as the priority.

Next, employers should consider who the best candidates for Instructor training might be. The most experienced operators may not necessarily be the best Instructors. A good Instructor requires additional attributes, such as strong leadership, effective communication, organisation, and approachability.

Then, it is important to identify a reputable Lift Truck Instructor training provider. 

RTITB Accredited Instructor Training Centres

Effective Lift Truck Instructor training can be delivered at RTITB Accredited Instructor Centres, based nationwide across the UK.  

All centres must achieve and uphold specific standards to be RTITB Accredited for Instructor training, giving peace of mind that they are delivering exceptional standards of training. Businesses therefore benefit from highly skilled and safety-focused Lift Truck Instructors to train their teams in-house.

Businesses can use the RTITB Course Locator tool to find a local RTITB Accredited Instructor Centre for Lift Truck Instructor training and learn more about RTITB at www.rtitb.com