Multiple items we purchase, both big and small, need to be moved by a forklift several times before they reach us.
In recent times, online shopping is accounting for more purchases than ever so forklift drivers are working hard to keep your packages and parcels moving day and night.
Devanshi Patel, one of our Account Managers, caught up with Norman, a Trojan Forklift Driver to learn more about the role. Norman, along with many other forklift drivers, is an essential part of a constant supply chain that brings goods to supermarkets, shops, businesses and ultimately you as a consumer.
How do you become a forklift driver?
Enrol in a high-risk safety course which allows you to drive certain machinery, including a forklift.
What is the first thing you do at work each day?
Complete a pre-start-up checklist to ensure the forklift is safe to use before operating.
What's fun about driving a forklift?
There are so many neat little tricks you can do on a forklift that keep you safe while doing your job. It can also make your job a lot easier.
What makes a good forklift driver?
Staying calm when it starts to get busy and you're under the pump as you could make a mistake. Being flexible, working in other departments like receiving and despatch, unloading and loading trucks and shipping containers, putting away pallets or picking orders.
What is the most difficult thing you have had to move with a forklift?
Moving a long pallet into the warehouse that didn't fit through the door.
Have you had any big spills? What happened?
I moved an unsecured pallet of paint, and it collapsed and spilt all over the warehouse floor.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a forklift driver?
Study the theory test first before enrolling in a high-risk course as it'll make it a bit easier when you do decide to go ahead and enrol in a high-risk course.
Trojan Recruitment Group is a leader in contract, permanent and labour-hire recruitment across many industries including blue-collar sectors such as rail, building and construction and manufacturing. If you are looking to recruit top talent for the warehousing and logistics industry or would like to consider a career in logistics talk to the Trojan team about the various options available for you.
Courtesy of Jason Everett
Jason Everett is the Senior Human Resources Advisor for Trojan Recruitment Group who has worked in HR roles for the past 20 years servicing many industries including the blue-collar sector. As a passionate HR professional, Jason loves helping candidates find the perfect role and become essential to the business and industries to which they are hired.
