What do Forklift Drivers do?
Forklift truck drivers use powered industrial trucks to move goods and materials safely and efficiently, usually in warehouses, factories, storage yards or ports. A forklift truck (FLT) can lift, lower, stack, and transport heavy loads that would be impossible to move by hand.
Your tasks might include:
Loading and unloading lorries.
Moving goods between storage areas and production lines.
Stacking pallets in racking systems.
Checking loads for damage.
Following strict safety procedures.
You’ll spend much of your shift operating the truck but may also carry out basic maintenance checks and keep records of stock movement. The role requires focus, good spatial awareness, and the ability to work as part of a team.
What can I expect to earn?
Starting salaries for trainee forklift truck drivers are typically around £20,000–£22,000 a year. With experience and additional skills, you could earn £25,000–£30,000, and specialist or supervisory roles can pay more. Overtime, shift allowances, and night work can significantly boost earnings.
What subjects should I study?
You don’t need specific school subjects to operate a forklift, but the following can help:
English – for understanding safety instructions and completing paperwork.
Maths – for stock counts and measuring load sizes.
Design & Technology or Engineering – useful for understanding how machinery works.
A good grasp of health and safety principles is also valuable, so any courses in this area can give you an advantage.
How can I start my career?
You can start as a warehouse operative or labourer and train on the job, or go straight into a forklift role if you already hold a licence. To drive a forklift truck, you must complete recognised training, such as an RTITB, AITT or ITSSAR-approved course. These cover theory, safety, and hands-on operation, and can take from a few days to a week to complete.
Many employers pay for your training if you join them in another role first. You’ll usually need to be over 18 to operate a forklift in most workplaces, though training can start earlier. A full UK driving licence isn’t always required but can be useful.
With experience, you could move into team leading, warehouse management, or specialise in operating other types of industrial vehicles, such as reach trucks or container handlers.
To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a forklift driver, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.
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