Expert Training Courses for Every Operator

We provide professional operator training courses that support the experience levels of every worker within your business.

Novice Training Courses

Novice Training Courses are designed for individuals with no prior experience who want to operate a Multidirectional Sideloader or Multidirectional Counterbalance or Sideloader Forklift Truck safely and confidently. These courses combine practical, hands-on instruction with essential theoretical training, leading to a recognised certificate of training and compliance with industry standards. Delegates are typically over 18 years of age but a vehicle driving licence is not required.

Experienced Training Courses

Experienced Training Courses are designed for workers with at least 12 months of practical experience operating a Multidirectional Sideloader or Multidirectional Counterbalance or Sideloader Forklift Truck within the past five years, but who lack formal certification. Formerly referred to as Novice-Plus, these courses offer an accelerated training programme leading to a recognised certificate of compliance.

Refresher Training Courses

Refresher Training Courses should be completed every 3 years to ensure Multidirectional Sideloader or Multidirectional Counterbalance or Sideloader Forklift Truck operators remain compliant with the latest equipment, technology, and safety standards. Earlier retraining is required following any near-miss incidents, unsafe operating practices, workplace changes such as new machinery or site layout alterations, or extended periods away from operating equipment.

Conversion Training Courses

Conversion Training Courses are designed for trained and experienced operators who already hold a recognised certificate. These courses provide an accelerated training programme to operate a new category, such as upgrading from a C1 to a M2 licence, or expanding your qualifications to include similar types of forklift equipment, such as A, B, D, J, or P categories without the need to complete the full Novice Course.

AITT Accredited and In-house Certified Training

1st Advanced Training proudly offers two ranges of comprehensive operator training courses, designed to equip your workforce with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with UK health and safety requirements.

AITT accredited training is delivered in accordance with recognised national standards and is subject to external oversight and regulated quality assurance protocols administered by the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT). This provides greater assurance to organisations that operators have been assessed in accordance with accepted industry requirements. Successful candidates receive an AITT accredited operator certificate and photo ID card, recorded on a centralised database making them easily transferable between employers within the UK.

In-house certified training follows comprehensive content defined in the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L117. This provides greater flexibility to tailor courses to site-specific equipment, operating environments, and workplace procedures. As external verification and course durations are not mandated, courses can be delivered more cost-effectively. Final assessment is equally rigorous, but the certificates rest with the organisation – and not the operator.

Unify AITT and In-house training across your organisation. With 1st Advanced Training, you can choose to specify AITT accredited novice training courses for employees with no prior experience – and then specify in-house certified training for refresher training courses after 3 years of experience.

Choosing between the ranges depends on your organisation’s specific requirements and priorities. Our team of expert instructors are fully certified by both the AITT and the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB).

Training at Your Premises or Our Training Centre

1st Advanced Training recommends delivering forklift truck operator training on-site at your premises, allowing operators to train on the exact equipment they use while enabling our instructors to better understand your specific operation and safety requirements.

Why Choose 1st Advanced for Operator Training?

Professional Training: we help businesses meet legal requirements while promoting safer working environments across all material handling operations.

Flexible Scheduling: we deliver training around your business operations, helping you upskill your workforce with minimal disruption to productivity.

Best Prices: we offer highly competitive pricing, making professional operator training accessible to businesses of all sizes while supporting higher safety and operational standards.

Choose 1st Advanced for Forklift Truck Operator Training

Whether you need to upskill a single operator or train a full team, you can rely on 1st Advanced Training. Phone 0118 970 7260 to speak with one of our training experts to book your operator training courses.