Forklift driver

As a forklift driver, you would:

• carry out safety checks on equipment at the start of a shift
•  load and unload goods from lorries, ships or aircraft
•  use radio equipment to keep in touch with other staff on site
•  move and stack goods in storage bays
•  pick and pack orders
•  complete paperwork for delivery notes and stock control

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• concentration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• knowledge of public safety and security 
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Your employer may put you through training to operate other types of lifting equipment like telescopic handlers.

With experience and further training, you could become a:

• shift supervisor, team leader or warehouse manager
•  forklift driver instructor
•  maintenance engineer

You could also move into other industries, like construction, and train to be a plant operator, or logistics, to work as an HGV driver.