A bright future for forklift training

Forklift training boosted in South West

A prominent forklift training provider has opened new opportunities for workplace transport training in the South West following its recent accreditation by the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers. Based in Bristol, HL Training Services provides on-site and in-house training for forklift instructors and operators. Despite being accredited by industry bodies ITSSAR and RTITB, HL Training Services’ management team made the major decision to gain a third accreditation, after noticing a lack of availability for AITT courses in the West Country. “Anyone in the South West looking to attend AITT training courses would have to travel to the Midlands or further east,” said Shane Richardson, Director at HL Training Services. “But our new AITT Accreditation means we can provide courses from Bristol, and give people in the surrounding counties, or even those along the south coast, a more local option. We’re essentially creating a South West hub for AITT training that wasn’t there before. It’s a really exciting development.” Two-thirds of HL Training Services’ instructors will receive AITT registration. In addition, the company is aiming to have one Category 4 tutor accredited to AITT, who will be qualified to teach operators and instructors, a significant move that will allow HL Training Services to offer a greater number of courses. “We ‘train the trainer’, so by ensuring that our instructors are taught to accredited standards, then in turn they will go on to teach forklift operators how to work safely in accordance with HSE guidelines,” said Shane. “Our aim is to help produce the best instructors, which will benefit the industry in the future, and AITT will help us do that. One of the reasons we chose AITT was the outstanding level of guidance that the organisation provides to training providers and instructors. The team is very friendly and registering with AITT was simple and straightforward; we really enjoy working with them. “What also stood out to us was the great work that AITT has been doing recently to spread the message about the importance of accredited training. AITT wants to make a difference, and so do we, so it made perfect sense to join. It’s a win-win really.” Managing Director of AITT, Adam Smith, said: “It’s great to have HL Training Services onboard as this is big step in expanding our network in the South West region. Shane and his team are really committed to ensuring that forklift instructor and operator training is the best it can be, which is an ethos AITT shares.” Shane believes that providing a greater availability of local options for forklift training will be key for encouraging people to choose accredited courses, as opposed to choosing less reliable non-accredited training. “Using accredited providers is essential because it gives you proof that the training has been completed to a defined standard, whereas non-accredited training isn’t registered,” explained Shane. “Accredited training includes an in-depth check and the paperwork is audited to prove that it has been done properly. It gives you peace of mind more than anything. Ideally everyone would choose it, but training organisations such as ours have to make it as easy as possible for people by providing local centres and instructors. The cost of registering to AITT is a nominal fee and it’s insignificant compared to the huge benefits accreditation brings.” Adam added: “AITT welcomes training providers from any area of the country who are looking to make the easy switch to a supportive accrediting body. Our focus is always on providing the advice and resources that enable providers to deliver exceptional courses to the highest industry standards. I’ve no doubt that HL Training Services will do just that.” www.aitt.co.uk