Forklift Training Centre (Skelmersdale)

The SB Skills Gorsey Centre in Skelmersdale provides practical forklift and mobile elevating work platform training for individuals and employers throughout Lancashire, Merseyside and the North West.

Our dedicated training environment allows learners to develop their practical operating skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. Courses are available for novice and experienced operators, as well as those requiring refresher training or additional categories.

About our Gorsey training centre

The Gorsey Centre is SB Skills’ dedicated venue for practical forklift truck and MEWP training.

The centre provides learners with the space and equipment needed to practise essential operating procedures, including pre-use inspections, safe manoeuvring, load handling and correct shutdown procedures.

Training can be tailored to the learner’s experience and the equipment they need to operate. We welcome individuals seeking new skills, experienced operators requiring formal assessment and employers arranging workforce training.

Forklift training at the Gorsey Centre

We provide accredited forklift truck training for a variety of machine categories and experience levels.

Counterbalance forklift training

Learn how to inspect, manoeuvre and operate a counterbalance forklift safely. Training includes load handling, stacking, de-stacking and working within confined areas.

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Reach truck training

Develop the skills required to operate a reach truck safely in warehouses, distribution centres and other environments where goods are stored at height.

Pivot-steer forklift training

Practical training for operators using pivot-steer trucks, commonly known by brand names such as Bendi or Flexi, in narrow warehouse aisles.

Pedestrian stacker training

Learn how to inspect and operate pedestrian-controlled stacker trucks safely when moving and stacking workplace loads.

Additional forklift categories

Depending on availability and individual requirements, training may also be offered for:

• Man-up and VNA order-picking trucks
• Four-way and multidirectional forklifts
• Combi-lift trucks
• Other specialist warehouse equipment

Contact SB Skills to confirm whether your required truck category is currently available at the Gorsey Centre.

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MEWP training at the Gorsey Centre

MEWPs allow trained operators to work safely at height from a powered access platform.

MEWP scissor lift training

Our scissor lift course covers the safe operation of mobile vertical platforms, including pre-use inspections, travelling, positioning and raising or lowering the platform.

This category is commonly referred to as MEWP 3A.

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MEWP boom lift training

Boom lift training covers the safe operation of mobile boom-type platforms, including positioning the machine, managing overhead hazards and using the platform correctly at height.

This category is commonly referred to as MEWP 3B.

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Combined MEWP training

Learners who need to operate both scissor and boom lifts may be able to complete training across both categories. Course duration will depend on experience, candidate numbers and the required certification.

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Training for every experience level

Novice training

Designed for people with little or no previous operating experience. Novice courses provide comprehensive theory and practical instruction before the final assessment.

Experienced-operator training

Suitable for operators with significant practical experience who have not previously received formal training or certification.

Candidates must have sufficient operating experience for the selected course route.

Refresher training

Refresher training helps qualified operators maintain their skills, correct unsafe habits and remain familiar with current workplace procedures.

Although there is no universal expiry period for basic forklift training, refresher training is commonly considered every three to five years or sooner following an incident, unsafe operation or extended period away from the equipment.

Conversion training

Conversion training may be suitable for operators who are already trained on one category of equipment and need to learn how to operate another.

Who uses the Gorsey Centre?

Our forklift and MEWP training is suitable for:

• New forklift operators
• Warehouse and logistics employees
• Manufacturing workers
• Construction and maintenance personnel
• Experienced operators requiring assessment
• Operators completing refresher training
• Jobseekers developing practical workplace skills
• Employers arranging training for their workforce
• Businesses introducing new equipment or working practices

What does the training cover?

Course content varies according to the equipment and awarding-body requirements but may include:

• Relevant health and safety responsibilities
• Operator safety and workplace hazards
• Manufacturer’s instructions
• Pre-use inspections
• Equipment controls and safety features
• Safe travelling and manoeuvring
• Load handling and stability
• Working at height safely
• Correct positioning of MEWPs
• Emergency lowering procedures
• Safe parking and shutdown
• Theory and practical assessments

Successful completion demonstrates that the learner has received training and passed the required assessment for the relevant equipment category.

What should learners bring?

Learners should bring:

• Photographic identification
• High-visibility clothing
• Steel toe-capped safety footwear
• Any additional PPE listed in their joining instructions
• Existing certificates or operator cards where relevant
• Suitable clothing for the practical elements of the course

Learners should check their booking confirmation before attending, as requirements may vary between forklift and MEWP courses.

Facilities and arrival information

The Gorsey Centre provides a dedicated environment for practical operator training and assessment.

Before publishing the page, add confirmed details covering:

• On-site or nearby parking
• Toilets
• Refreshment facilities
• Accessibility
• The correct entrance or unit signage
• Arrival and registration arrangements

Learners should arrive in sufficient time to register and prepare for their course.