Forklift operators operate vehicles that have a lifting platform for shifting and stacking heavy articles such as pallets, bales, crates, containers or cartons.

What do Forklift Operators do?

• Maintain forklifts.
• Operate forklifts in warehouses, construction sites and wharves.
• Ensure forklift loads are stable and safe.
• Fill in paperwork, such as delivery forms, and electronically record the movement of goods.

Skills and knowledge

• good driving skills.
• thorough understanding of the operation and limitations of a forklift.
• ability to judge distances, weights and volumes.
• knowledge of the code of practice for forklift operators, including health and safety regulations.
• knowledge of the fuel requirements of different forklifts including diesel, LPG, CNG (compressed natural gas) and battery-operated models.

Entry requirements

• Forklift Operator Certificate. The certificate shows that you have been trained according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's code of practice.
• To operate a heavy forklift, you need to have a Class 2 driver's license.
• To operate a forklift on a road or in a public space, you must have a Class 1 driver's license with a forklift (F) endorsement.

Qualifications

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a forklift operator, but employers usually prefer you to have NCEA Level 1 with Maths and English.

Find out more

Competenz (ITO)
0800 526 1800 - info@competenz.org.nz - www.competenz.org.nz

New Zealand Transport Agency website - instructors for forklift (F) endorsement

Axiom website - find out the Forklift Operator Certificate

IVS Training website - find out about the OSH Forklift Operator Certificate

New Zealand Transport Agency website - applying for forklift (F) endorsement