• The term forklift licence is commonly used, but there is no physical licence like a driving licence.
• Instead, when people say “forklift licence,” they usually mean that someone has completed basic forklift-truck safety and operation training and received a certificate of training.
• This certificate allows the person to operate a forklift safely and competently.

Who needs a forklift licence?

• Anyone who drives or operates a forklift — whether as their main job or only occasionally — should have passed the required basic training.
• This includes employees in warehousing, construction, logistics, or any business where lifting/manipulating materials by forklift is involved.

Who can apply for forklift training?

According to the relevant code of practice:

• Must have reached the minimum school-leaving age (typically 16, though many workplaces set 18).
• Must have a good understanding of spoken and written English.
• Should have a reasonable level of physical fitness, suitable for operating machinery safely.

Completing this training can be a useful step for school leavers or apprentices starting a career in warehousing or construction.

How long does it take, cost, and what it allows you to do?

Does a driving licence matter?

• You do not need a UK driving licence to take the forklift training course or to operate a forklift on private property.
• However, if you plan to drive the forklift on public roads, then you must have a valid full UK driving licence.

Licence validity: Does it expire or need renewing?

• Unlike driving licences in the UK, forklift-certification certificates from basic training do not expire, and are often treated as lifelong qualifications.
• Despite this, many employers offer refresher or conversion courses — either to reacquaint operators with machinery after a break, or to train them on different types of lift trucks.
• The refresher or conversion courses are optional and may be requested based on business needs; they are not a legal requirement to “renew” the certificate.

Are there different types of forklift licences?

• No — there are no different “forklift licences” as such.
• What does vary is the type of training course (novice, experienced, refresher, conversion), and the type of forklift truck you are trained to operate.
• Training courses offered by providers (like SB Skills Solutions) are often accredited by recognised bodies such as National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS).

Choosing the right forklift training: What to consider

When deciding how to obtain a forklift-vehicle operator certificate, it depends on:

1. Your prior experience — if you have none, choose a full “novice” course; if you already have experience, a shorter conversion or refresher might be enough.
2. The type of forklift used — different forklifts (counterbalance, reach, stacker, etc.) may need different training.
3. Budget and time availability — full courses are longer and cost more; refresher courses are quicker and cheaper.
4. Employer requirements — some employers may require refresher training or extra safety modules tailored to their workplace.

Summary: What you should know

1. The so-called “forklift licence” is really a certificate of training, not a government-issued licence.
2. Anyone who operates a forklift — even occasionally — should have completed proper training.
3. Training typically takes 3–5 days for novices, or 1–2 days for conversion/refresher courses.
4. After successful training, you get a paper certificate — legal and valid indefinitely.
5. For public-road use of forklifts, you also need a valid UK driving licence

Looking to start forklift truck training?

SB Skills provides accredited forklift training delivered by experienced instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Our team offers professional, relevant training for individuals and employees who want to develop new skills or improve workplace safety.

If you need help choosing the right course, our trainers and support staff are available to assist you.

To discuss your requirements, call 01695 558 420 or email info@sbskills.co.uk to submit your enquiry.

The post How to obtain a forklift licence appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

Forklift training is essential for:

• Aspiring operators seeking new skills and career opportunities
• Employers ensure staff operate machinery safely and legally

Why Forklift Training is Necessary

• It is a legal requirement under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 that employers provide sufficient training to ensure safety.
• Training reduces accidents and ensures the safety of operators, colleagues, and others on site.

Who Can Take Forklift Training

• Minimum age: 16 years old (school-leaving age)
• Must have good verbal and written English skills
• For CPCS-accredited courses, participants must pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test within the last two years

Who Needs Forklift Training

• Any individual or employee operating a forklift truck
• Managers and supervisors in construction, warehousing, or logistics
• Job seekers in relevant sectors can benefit from certification

Objectives of Forklift Training

At the end of a training course, participants will be able to:

• Operate the forklift safely according to manufacturer instructions
• Identify causes of instability for trucks and loads
• Perform routine pre-use inspections
• Obtain certification from an accredited body (e.g., CPCS red card for those who pass the practical and theory tests)

What is Included in Forklift Training

Training typically covers:

1. Introduction to the forklift and its controls
2. Safe mounting and dismounting procedures
3. Moving, stopping, and steering the forklift
4. Operation of hydraulic controls
5. Assessing weight and stability
6. Handling laden and unladen pallets
7. Stacking and de-stacking loads
8. Driving on ramps and inclines
9. Loading and unloading road vehicles
10. Pre-use checks and refuelling
11. Theory on safety codes
12. Practical assessment of skills

Training Duration and Ratios

• Courses vary depending on machinery type, participant experience, and class size
• Typical ratio: 3 trainees per 1 instructor for practical sessions
• Example: 3 novice trainees require about 5 days (37.5 hours) of training
• Experienced operators may need shorter training or conversion courses for different forklifts

Training Costs

Forklift Training at SB Skills Solutions

• Accredited by NPORS and CPCS
• Offers tailored in-house courses for employer needs
• Experienced trainers provide practical and theoretical instruction
• Helps young adults and employees develop skills for safe forklift operation

Get Started with Forklift Training

If you want to operate a forklift safely and professionally, SB Skills is ready to help.

Call 01695 558 420 or email info@sbskills.co.uk to find out more about our forklift training courses and secure your place.

The post What’s involved in forklift truck training? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

SB Skills Solutions provides expert training for Material Handling Equipment (MHE), helping employees operate equipment safely and efficiently. With over 30 years of experience in forklift training and workplace health and safety, SB Skills ensures learners gain both practical skills and certification.

What is MHE training?

MHE training teaches employees how to safely lift, move, and store materials using specialized equipment. Training covers a range of tools, including:

• Pallet trucks (manual and battery-powered)
• Conveyor systems
• Cranes
• Lifts and hoists
• Forklifts (counterbalance, reach, pivot steer, VNA)
• Order pickers
• Stackers and electric pallet trucks

Forklifts as MHE

Forklifts are a core type of MHE and are widely used in warehouses, distribution centers, and construction sites to move materials safely. Types of forklifts included in training:

• Counterbalance trucks
• Reach trucks
• Pivot steer trucks
• Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) trucks
• Electric pallet and stacker trucks
• Certification and Licensing

There is no formal “MHE licence,” but completing MHE training provides a certificate of competency, confirming safe operation of equipment. Certifications are generally permanent, but employers may require refresher or conversion courses if new equipment is introduced or skills have lapsed.

MHE Training at SB Skills Solutions

SB Skills offers:

• NPORS-accredited MHE and forklift courses
• Beginner, refresher, and conversion training
• Customised in-house options for companies
• Safe, supportive learning environments with expert instructors

Training with SB Skills opens career opportunities in construction, warehousing, and logistics, regardless of previous experience.

MHE Training Overview Table

For more information, SB Skills can be contacted at 01695 558420 or info@sbskills.co.uk

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The post Six health and safety challenges for steel erectors (and how to overcome them) appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

As a highly experienced national training and assessment provider, SB Skills Solutions has put together this short guide to the typical steel erecting course duration.

What is the typical duration of the course?

The first step to gaining your Level 3 Steel Erecting qualification is understanding how much time you need to dedicate to achieving this diploma. 

In most cases, this course can be successfully completed in just 12 months. 

Factors that affect completion time

While 12 months is the typical completion time, the exact steel erecting course duration can be affected by a number of different factors which we explore in more detail below.

Individual pace and dedication

Due to the nature of the Level 3 Steel Erecting qualification, in that it’s primarily carried out on the job, the course duration is heavily dictated by the learner’s pace and dedication to gathering the necessary evidence.

Prior experience and qualifications

If you have a higher level of relevant experience and qualifications, you may be able to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting in a shorter period than the typical 12-month duration by demonstrating existing competence to the assessor. 

Level of assessor support

A supportive and professional assessor can be essential for helping the learner to properly understand the course criteria and which evidence should be collected.

The pace at which an individual can achieve this diploma is therefore heavily influenced by the assessor’s availability to both offer support and conduct on-site visits.

What to expect after completing the diploma

Whether completing the diploma takes you the full year or a little longer, having a clear understanding of how the qualification can benefit your professional career before you get started is crucial.

After completing the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) qualification in Steel Erecting, the learner will then be awarded a Level 3 card as a combined Client/Contractor National Safety Group/Assuring Competence in Engineering (CCNSG/ACE) card.

With this card offering validation of the holder’s credentials, they’ll be able to move more freely between civil and engineering construction sites, increasing their career opportunities and earning potential.

Obtain your Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting

Ready to upskill and develop your career in the construction industry? 

The team of experienced instructors and assessors at SB Skills Solutions has all the necessary knowledge and resources to help you achieve your ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting.

Whether you’re an employer looking to equip your employees with valuable qualifications or an adult hoping to explore more career opportunities, there’s many benefits to obtaining this diploma.

To learn more about the course criteria for this steel erecting diploma or to discuss your specific training requirements with our training and assessment experts, please feel free to contact our team today.

You can start the conversation about furthering your career by giving us a call on 01695 558 420 or emailing your enquiry to info@sbskills.co.uk.

​

The post How long does it take to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

To help you determine which steel erecting qualifications might be the most suitable for you based on your current skills, competence, and experience in the role, our knowledgeable team has pulled together this steel erecting diploma comparison.

Below, we compare the skills and benefits you can obtain from successfully completing a level 2 and level 3 Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) steel erecting diploma.

ECITB Level 2 vs Level 3

While both the level 2 and level 3 ECITB diplomas in steel erecting are vocational qualifications that provide industry recognition of the holder’s skills, knowledge, experience, and competence as a steel erector, they have their differences.

How can SB Skills help?

Now you have a clearer idea of which level diploma your existing skills and experience as a steel erector lend themselves to, why not receive industry recognition and increase your earning potential by taking the relevant ECITB steel erecting diploma with SB Skills Solutions?

Our team of experienced and qualified instructors can provide professional training and assessment services for:

∙ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Steel Erecting

∙ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting

With one of our instructors guiding you through the process, you’ll receive clear answers to any questions you might have, expert support with gathering evidence, and assessment services that work around your professional schedule up until final certification.

We can also support you with learning more about the various steel erecting career paths that an ECITB steel erecting diploma can help you to achieve. 

Whether you want to explore steel fabrication or fitting, we’re on hand to point you in the right direction.

To discuss your steel erector career with an experienced member of our team, please feel free to give us a call on 01695 558 420.

Alternatively, you can always email your enquiry to info@sbskills.co.uk.  

The post ECITB Level 2 vs. Level 3 Steel Erecting Diplomas: Which is right for you? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

Below, we explain some of the key career opportunities in the engineering and construction industry available to you if you achieve a Level 3 Steel Erecting diploma.  

What UK job opportunities exist for Level 3 Steel Erecting Diploma holders?

Unsure where a Level 3 Steel Erecting diploma could take your career? Fortunately, it can open doors to many key roles in the construction industry, including: 

Steel Erector

A steel erector (also known as a steelwork erector or ironworker) assembles and disassembles the metal frameworks for buildings and structures, such as industrial facilities and bridges. Their primary role is to fit together steel girders, pipework, and beams. 

Structural Steel Fitter

Also referred to as steel fitters, the main responsibility of tradespeople working in a structural steel fitter role is to prepare and fit steel components as per the blueprint specifications. They fabricate these items using hand tools, as well as riveting and welding machines. 

Steel Fabricator

The main role of a steel fabricator is to cut, shape, and manipulate raw steel materials into certain structures and products. Like steel fitters, they also take direction from blueprints and engineer designs, but they focus more on design and aesthetics of the raw steel than precision assembly.

Site Supervisor

If you want to explore managerial roles, then you may want to consider becoming a site supervisor.

Responsible for overseeing all the activities on a construction site, the supervisor is tasked with managing all workers and upholding site standards, efficiencies, and health and safety regulations.

Alternative Careers

Searching for more steel erecting jobs with a diploma?

With an Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Level 3 Steel Erecting diploma under your belt, you may also be eligible for alternative career opportunities, such as specialised careers in health and safety, estimating, and steel draughtsmanship.

Complete your ECITB Level 3 Steel Erecting Diploma

If you want to unlock access to a wider range of career paths in the construction industry, speak to the expert team of instructors and assessors at SB Skills Solutions today about achieving your ECITB Level 3 Steel Erecting diploma.

As a trusted national training provider in the UK, our team of qualified instructors can guide you through the entire process with ease. Working to a timescale that fits around your schedule, we’ll visit you on-site to assess your competence as a steel erector and help you to collect relevant evidence.

Whether you require support choosing the right career path in the construction industry or want to learn more about our services, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable team today.

To reach out, simply give us a call on 01695 558 420. Alternatively, you can also email your enquiry to info@sbskills.co.uk.

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The post Benefits of obtaining a Level 2 Diploma in Steel Erecting in the UK appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

This leading skills organisation ensures there’s enough trained workers to meet industry needs in Great Britain.

This means there are many benefits to achieving your ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction: Lifting, Positioning, and Installing Structures, Plant, and Equipment – find out what’s involved in this steel erector course from the experts at SB Skills Solutions.

What is the ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting?

Designed for individuals involved in the handling and assembling of large-scale structures and equipment in various industrial settings, the ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting is a specialised vocational qualification that recognises the worker’s advanced expertise in this area.

It offers individuals validation of their expertise in lifting, positioning, and installing structures, plant, and equipment.

Before beginning the steel erector course, the learner must select one of two discipline pathways (either the Erecting or Rigging pathway).

At SB Skills Solutions, the ECITB Level 3 Steel Erecting qualification focuses on the erecting pathway, ensuring the worker possesses the necessary skills to safely, effectively, and competently install and dismantle structural steel frameworks, metal decking, and safety systems.

Based on National Occupational Standards (NOS), the objective of the ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction: Lifting, Positioning, and Installing Structures, Plant, and Equipment is to validate the individual’s expertise in the erection of large-scale structures.

Please note, this steel erector course doesn’t include the teaching of relevant skills and knowledge, just the assessment of existing expertise.

Benefits of completing this Level 3 diploma

Crucially, individuals who successfully complete this course will not only receive recognition of their expertise in this area, but they will also be able to pursue more advanced roles in this competitive area of the energy, manufacturing, or construction industry.

These opportunities for career progression are supported by the Assuring Competence in Engineering Construction (ACE) card scheme which helps to ensure engineering construction sites are operated by competent employees.

After registering for an ECITB qualification and obtaining a CCNSG (Client Contractor National Safety Group) Safety Passport, ECITB will give the individual an ACE red learner card, further demonstrating the holder’s competence.

Upon completion of the Level 3 Steel Erecting qualification, they will be awarded a Level 3 card as a combined CCNSG/ACE Card. This one card can therefore open doors for the holder, allowing them to more easily move between civil and engineering construction sites.

How to enrol and what to expect

Getting started with working towards your ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting is easy – simply reach out to a qualified training provider, such as SB Skills Solutions, or discuss your options with your employer.

If this steel erector course is determined to be the right route for you, it can be completed within just 12 months.

However, as this assessment is conducted primarily on the job, the timeline can be adjusted to suit your professional needs and the rate at which you can collect the necessary evidence.

From beginning to completion, a qualified and experienced assessor will work with you to ensure you understand the entire process and carry out on-site visits to support you with gathering evidence.

Your competence will be assessed using various methods including online knowledge tests and recorded technical discussions as well as practical skills evaluations in your workplace.

Achieve your ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting

With a helping hand from the qualified team of instructors and assessors at SB Skills Solutions, you can obtain your ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting without taking time away from your career or dedicating years of your life to one course.

We work with both employers and individuals, providing workers with the necessary recognition and qualifications they need to upskill, broaden their career prospects, and highlight their relevant skills, knowledge, and experience.

If you’d like to find out more about this steel erector course or have a question about our services, please don’t hesitate to speak to our team today.

You can either give us a call on 01695 558 420 or reach out via email to info@sbskills.co.uk.

The post What is the ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.