The maze of forklift training on offer - both online and offline - sometimes makes it unclear to logistics managers and individuals which institutes really offer quality. Online courses are often cheaper and therefore attractive, but that does not always mean you will be trained properly. That is why BLOM Opleidingen has listed nine points by which you can recognise a quality forklift training course.
1) The institute has CEDEO accreditation
One of the most important prerequisites of good training is CEDEO accreditation. You can find the accreditation on the institute's website or via the CEDEO website.
2) The training provider has ISO certification
It doesn’t stop at CEDEO accreditation. According to BLOM Opleidingen, true quality lies in ISO certification. This is a standard that sets requirements for an organisation’s quality management system. ISO 9001 certification means that the organisation is capable of meeting both the requirements of legislation and regulations and its own internal requirements. Here too, the logo can usually be found on the training provider’s website.
3) Basic course lasts a minimum of 2 course days
According to BLOM Opleidingen, it is not realistic to learn how to drive a forklift truck in one day. A quality course therefore lasts at least 2 days: 1 for theory and 1 for practice.
4) You will receive (if successful) a valid certificate
After correctly passing an exam, you should receive a forklift certificate. This serves as proof to employers that you meet the basic skills of operating a forklift truck.
5) Training provider offers opportunity to obtain CCV certificate
If you are going for the CCV safety certificate, you can visit the CBR website. There you will find a list of recognised training institutes. This is because the training provider must meet certain requirements to issue the certificate. For instance, at least two aisles with a length of ten metres must be present. In addition, it is mandatory that the exam is taken in a separate room.
6) Certified instructors
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a forklift truck operator to be trained by another forklift truck operator who just happens to know more about the subject. That does not mean that this person is qualified to act as an instructor. Instructors must hold at least an MBO Plus qualification. In addition, the instructor must hold a valid ‘Certificate of Professional Competence’ or ‘Vocational Training Diploma for Forklift Truck Operators’ for the relevant type of vehicle and, preferably, a VCA-VOL certificate as well. Furthermore, instructors must undergo annual refresher training.
7) The trainer also offers other safety training courses
This tip may not be a hard requirement, but as soon as a trainer also offers other training courses, such as BHV and VCA, you are probably in the right place. After all, this means that the trainer is knowledgeable about safety and can transfer this to you.
8) The training provider also offers customisation
For this tip, the main thing to consider is the set-up of your organisation. Is it so specific that standard training is insufficient. This could include working with specific trucks, specific cargo or specific conditions/environment. Customised training would best suit this. Look for a training provider that provides on-site training.
9) Check reviews
Reviews on websites give an impression of a particular training institute like no other. How were previous trainees treated? How did they rate the quality? On websites like Springtest.nl and the Feedback Company, people can leave a student review on training providers.
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