• 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.

• Planning the project and creating a complete budget
• Coordinating with clients and providing updates on project milestones and timelines
• Supervising the construction phase to ensure work is completed efficiently and safely
• Selecting construction practices and strategies appropriate to the project
• Understanding technical and contract details and communicating them to workers and professionals

Construction managers work closely with architects, engineers, and other specialists, including stonemasons, electricians, carpenters, landscapers, and more. For large projects, such as office buildings or industrial complexes, managers may oversee only a part of the project and delegate tasks to subcontractors.

They often use cost-estimating and planning software to manage budgets, schedule materials, and improve efficiency. Construction managers must also solve unexpected issues quickly and make personnel decisions to meet deadlines.

Some construction managers are self-employed. In this case, they must find clients, market their services, bid for projects, and manage diverse types of construction work.

Key Responsibilities of a Construction Manager

Workplace and Daily Life

Many managers have a main office but spend most of their time in a field office on-site, monitoring the project and making daily decisions.

Those managing multiple projects may travel frequently between sites.

Construction managers can work on residential, commercial, or industrial projects, depending on their experience and expertise. Their goal is always to deliver the project on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.

Get Started with Construction Manager Training

If you want to develop your skills as a construction manager or take your career to the next level, SB Skills offers expert trainin. Our accredited courses provide practical knowledge and guidance to help you succeed in planning, supervising, and managing construction projects safely and efficiently.

We offer Level 6 NVQ Construction Site Management courses and Level 7 NVQ Construction Senior Management courses.

To discuss the right course for you or your team, call 01695 558 420 or email info@sbskills.co.uk to submit your enquiry. Our experienced trainers and support staff are ready to help you get started.

The post The Role of a Construction Manager appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

The post Top 10 forklift safety tips and best practices appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

Because of its size and potential risk, operating a telehandler requires proper certification under regulations.

Licence vs certification: what’s required?

What licence is required for a telescopic handler?

• For site-only operation, a driving licence is not required. What is needed is proof of competence through an accredited training course.
• For road use, you will need a valid driving licence (typically Category B, which is the standard car licence) as well as registration and insurance for the vehicle.
• The telehandler must also be properly registered. If used in agriculture, it should be registered as an agricultural vehicle; for construction, as a commercial vehicle.

.

Age limits based on vehicle weight (road use)

• Up to 3.5 tonnes: you can drive from 17 years old
• From 3.5 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes: minimum 18 years old
• Over 7.5 tonnes: minimum 21 years old

How to get the required licence / certification

• To drive on the road: obtain a full driving licence by passing both a theory test and a practical test via the DVLA.
• To operate on-site: complete an accredited telesopic handler training course—for example, the NPORS telesopic handler training offered by SB Skills.
• Courses include both theoretical and practical training to ensure safe operation.

Rules when driving a telehandler on public roads

When you do need to drive a telehandler on a road, follow these safety rules:

• Never carry a load while driving on the road.
• Remove or secure all lifting equipment and attachments.
• Fold back or remove fork arms and ensure they are secured.
• Comply with all Highway Code rules.
• Equip the telehandler with appropriate lighting for road use.
• If travelling under 25 mph on an unrestricted dual carriageway, use a flashing beacon.

For further help or advice with training, certification, or licences for operating and driving a telescopic handler, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at SB Skills Solutions by calling us on 01695 558 420 and we’ll be happy to help.

The post Do you need a licence to operate a telehandler? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

Summary Table:

Terminology: Licence vs Certification

• There is no formal “forklift licence” in the UK.
• What operators receive is certification upon successfully completing a forklift training course.
• That certificate does not have an expiration date.

.

Renewal / Refresher Training

• Because the certification doesn’t expire, there is no legal requirement to renew it.
• However, refresher training is strongly recommended to maintain safety and competence.
• The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) recommends refresher forklift training every 3 years.
• Employers often set policies about how frequently they expect refresher training, but this is not mandated by law.
• If an operator has had a long break from forklift duties, it’s good practice to take refresher training.

Cost of Refresher Training (“Renewal”)

• Because certification does not expire, there’s no statutory obligation to renew.
• But if an accident occurs involving a forklift operator, the employer could be held liable if they failed to ensure the operator had up-to-date refresher training.

Liability & Legal Considerations

• Since there is no true licence renewal, the cost is simply the cost of the refresher training itself.
• Experienced operator / refresher training courses typically cost £295–£350 in the UK.
• Group discounts may be available if an employer sends multiple employees for training with a provider.

Refresher Training via SB Skills Solutions

• SB Skills Solutions offers refresher forklift training delivered by qualified instructors and professional examiners.
• Our training is either NPORS-accredited or delivered in-house and tailored to client requirements.
• We provide training for novices, conversions, and experienced operators.
• We operate nationwide (UK) and work with commercial and private clients.

To speak to an expert member of our team, simply call us on 01695 558 420 or send an email to info@sbskills.co.uk. Alternatively, you can also fill out and submit our handy online contact form and once we’ve received your enquiry, we’ll get back to your shortly to find out

The post How long does a forklift licence last? 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

The post What does Material Handling Equipment (MHE) training involve? appeared first on SB Skills Solutions.

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.