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Forklift Training Reading

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There is no one better than HL Training for first-rate accredited forklift training in Reading. Our on-site forklift operator training courses are accredited by industry-recognised governing bodies and delivered by expert instructors. From scissor lifts to telehandlers and pallet stackers, we can help ensure your team operate machinery effectively and safely. 

Our Forklift Training Courses

Our expert instructors deliver a wide range of forklift operator training courses in Reading. Our extensive list of courses includes, but is not limited to, the following;

If you require training that is not in the list above – this does not mean we can’t provide this course in Reading. Please get in touch.
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Our training courses are designed to accommodate a variety of experience levels. We provide a selection of courses, each designed for different experience levels ranging from beginner novice courses to refresher courses for more experienced operators. Whether you need an initial introduction to operating your chosen machinery or equipment or need to ensure your knowledge is up to date, we have a course for you.

Accredited Forklift Training

You can always rely on HL Training for the very best training. We have a proven track record, and our forklift training courses are delivered by highly skilled and experienced instructors. Plus, all of our courses are accredited by one of three industry-recognised governing bodies; ITSSAR, AITT, or RTITB.

Book Reading Forklift Training Course

You won’t find a better option for forklift training in Berkshire than HL Training. We have something for all your needs, no matter the machinery you need training in or your experience. And they’re all available to be delivered at your site in Reading. Get in touch today and book an accredited forklift training course.

Reading Forklift Training FAQs

What Do I Receive On Completing Forklift Training?

On completing your accredited training, you will receive a certificate. We generate ITSSAR and AITT certificates within our CRM. These also include accompanying ID cards which are included in the quoted fee. 

RTITB produce their own certificates. ID cards are also available for RTITB course but are not included in the quoted cost of the training. 

How Do I Check My Training Is Accredited?

All our forklift training courses are registered with the accrediting body. Each accrediting body we work with provides a unique ID number with its certification. ITSSAR use a TOPS number, AITT has an ACORNS number, and RTITB uses a NORS number. You can use these numbers to check with the respective accreditor that your training is accredited. 

Do I Need a Forklift License?

Although the ID cards accompanying training certificates are often mistaken for a license, no actual license is required to operate a forklift. On completing the operator course, you will receive a certificate of basic training. This is the legal document. 

Pallet/Reach Stacker Training (A4/A5/Z3)

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Pedestrian-operated pallet stacker trucks are typically utilised to perform similar jobs to pedestrian pallet trucks. However, they have the additional feature of having a mast and the capability to reach those otherwise out-of-reach areas. 

Whether you need to lift into tracking or other high-lift areas, pallet stacker trucks are sometimes preferred over counterbalance and reach trucks. See below for more information on the different types of pallet stackers. Alternatively, take a look at the full range of forklift operator training we offer.

Benefits of a Pallet Stacker Truck

The main benefit of these trucks is that they are a much cheaper option. Their lightweight and low-maintenance characteristics make them an ideal, cost-effective choice for all your lifting needs. Plus, their size (smaller than rider–operated trucks) is also more convenient in some warehouse environments where space is hard to come by.

With a pallet stacker truck, you can experience increased productivity with its quick and efficient ability to move pallets, helping to streamline warehouse operations and reduce the need for employees to handle materials manually. Equipped with a variety of safety features such as anti-rollback systems and repel pads, utilise these efficient electric pallet stacker trucks and minimise the risk of accidents in the workplace

Location of Training

We can deliver pallet stacker training at our Bristol-based centre on trucks such as the A5 Pedestrian Operated Pallet Stacker. Our facility can provide comprehensive training with state-of-the-art equipment to give you the best possible quality of knowledge.

But suppose you cannot come to our facility. In that case, we also provide mobile training, which means we can visit your premises! We can cater to everything from novice to highly experienced operators looking for a refresher course. Timings for stacker truck training are outlined below, based on a 3:1 ratio. Smaller ratios may alter timings.

Types of Pallet Stacker

 

A4 Rider Operated Pallet Stacker
A5 Pedestrian Operated Pallet Stacker (see picture)
Z3 Pedestrian Manual and Semi-Manual Pallet Stackers

Electric Pallet Stacker Training Course Duration

The duration of our stacker forklift training is highly dependent on the experience levels of the candidates we teach. We have a range of courses that vary in detail and duration. Below is the length of time each course will take, depending on the candidate’s experience level (based on 3:1 candidates to instructor ratio).

Novice – 3 Days

Experienced/Existing Operator – 1 Day

Conversion (from an alternative type of forklift*) – typically 2 days. However, this is down to instructors discretion. Further training may be recommended if the candidates do not reach the required standard.

Refresher Training – 1 Day

Jungheinrich Pallet Stacker

Pallet Stacker Training Course Contents

 

Our pallet stacker training courses go into detail about various elements you must know about a pallet stacker truck. Our course covers (but is NOT limited to):

  • Regulations/Legislation, including LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998, and HASAWA 1974
  • Introduction to Truck
  • Capacity Plates; Stability
  • Handling Loaded/Unloaded Pallets
  • Working Within Racking
  • Etc.

There are both theoretical and practical tests, along with a pre-use check, that are mandatory testing elements. You must pass ALL THREE to complete the stacker truck training course.

What will a candidate receive upon successfully completing a basic operators course?

Certification: Upon completing training on the pallet stacker, the candidate will receive their completion certificate. This will be accredited by your accrediting body of choice (RTITB, ITSSAR, or AITT). Once this course has been completed and certification has been received, the candidate will be fully qualified to operate the pallet stacker in their workplace.

Photo ID Cards: These are also available. However, depending on your chosen accreditation, they may be in addition to the quoted costs. Photo ID cards do not act as equipment licenses but will be shown as proof of certification and completion of necessary training.

Get In Touch

If you’re interested in our range of pallet stacker training or reach stack training courses and want to know more about how we can help you, get in touch. Our expert team are happy to answer any questions you may have and help you develop your skillset.

At HL Training, we want to help your team develop their skills and reach new safety levels when operating packer stacker trucks or forklifts. Take a look at our range of forklift training courses and develop your workforce on a broader scale.

FAQs

Is a pallet truck license a requirement?

There is no such thing as a license for operating a forklift or pallet truck. As such, you will not require a license to operate this machinery. Once you pass a pallet stacker training course or forklift training, you receive a certificate of basic training that qualifies you, alongside authorisation, to operate a forklift.

This is a legal document that physically allows you to operate a forklift. Although we cannot offer a physical license, we can offer an ID Card to accompany your certificate. It is important to note that any ID card may come at an additional cost to your certification and training course.

Do I need to take a refresher course?

While there is no legal requirement to take any refresher courses for this equipment and training, HSE recommends that you do so. Remembering and applying everything you learn in your training can be challenging. Like driving, bad habits can creep in, and you may find that your skills need some brushing up. Our quick and effective refresher courses provide you with the tools and skills you need for long-term success.

What is the difference between pallet stackers and forklifts?

Pallet stackers are smaller, nimble machinery designed to be used in smaller working environments and with lighter loads. A forklift is used for a heavier load that requires a counterweight. It is also important to note that pallet stackers do not require a sit-on driver. Instead, being a small piece of equipment that is pulled and manoeuvred into place.

Do you need a license for a pallet stacker?

You do not need a license to operate a walkie stacker, as most work with an operator who simply walks behind the machine to manoeuvre loads. However, a ride-on pallet stacker may require some additional training, as there are more controls and safety procedures to follow when operating this version of a pallet stacker.

Accredited Order Picker Truck Training

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Order picker trucks cover various ABA Categories and can be pedestrian or rider operated. Typically these are electric trucks. These trucks have a fixed operating position for use when moving from A to B within the working environment. At HL, we can provide order picker truck training for all categories, covering all makes and models, whether Low Level, Medium Level or High Level. We also provide a full range of forklift operator training.

Order picker trucks are similar to the PPT but can be fitted with longer forks to carry multiple pallets/stillages/cages. These trucks are used to pick orders over longer distances which reduces operator fatigue and time between picks. This increases productivity within the business.

Types of Order Picker Trucks

A1 – Pallet; stillage; low lift platform & low lift order picking trucks (Pedestrian Operated)
A2 – Pallet; stillage; low lift platform & low lift order picking trucks (Rider Operated)
E1 – Medium lift up to and including 2.5 meters
E2 – High lift over 2.5 meters

These are the categories agreed between all ABA members and the new course testing criteria released in 2019 with improved standards for Pre Use Checks, Practical Testing and Theory Tests.

We provide picker truck training for all the above categories, including pedestrian and rider operated picker training, medium level picker truck training and accredited high level picker truck courses.

Course Timings

(based on 3:1 candidates:instructor ratio);

Novice – 1 or 2 Days Depending on accrediting body & truck type
Experienced/Existing Operator – 1 Day
Refresher Training – 1 Day

LLOP Training

What does this course entail?

There is so much depth in all of our Bristol-based courses. This order picker training course covers (but NOT limited to) the below; 

Regulations/legislation including LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998 and HASAWA 1974; Introduction to truck; Capacity Plates; Stability;  Handling laden/unladen pallets, Working in aisles and transfer aisles and much more.

There are both theoretical and practical tests, along with a pre-use check that are mandatory testing elements. You will need to pass ALL THREE to successfully complete the course.

What will a candidate receive upon successful completion of a basic operators course?

Certification: Upon successful completion of the order picker training, you will receive a certificate, accredited by your chosen accrediting body (ITSSAR, RTITB or AITT). Check out our accreditation page for more information.

Photo ID Cards: These are also available, although depending on your chosen accreditation, may be additional to the cost quoted.

Order Picker Truck Training FAQs

How Are Order Picker Truck Courses Delivered?

All of our accredited order picker courses are delivered in person. They can be delivered in our training centre or at your chosen site. 

Do You Need A License To Operate A Order Picker?

No forklift licenses do not exist. Your certificate of basic training, which you will receive upon successfully completing an accredited course, is a legal document which permits you to operate an order picker.

Does My Rider Picker Certificate Expire?

No, your certificate does not expire. However, a NORS registration for RTITB-accredited courses will lapse. You can renew your registration with a refresher course. Whether you can continue to operate an order picker after your registration has lapsed is at the discretion of your employer. 

Reach Truck Forklift Training

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At HL Training, we are pleased to offer extensive reach truck forklift training to ensure your team is efficiently trained with the latest safety compliances. From basic introductory training to refresher courses for experienced reach truck operators, find information and details on our reach truck course here. Alternatively, take a look at the full range of forklift operator training we offer.

What Is a Reach Truck Forklift?

Reach truck forklifts are the most common type of warehousing forklift within the UK. This truck type has been split into three categories, up to 8m lift, above 8m lift and pedestrian operated. The name derives from the simple fact the truck reaches into an aisle, meaning it can be used within much more narrow working aisles. This, in turn, increased the amount of space and racking that can be fitted and utilised.

This becomes the main benefit of reach trucks, whereby most racking and therefore more pick locations can be within the warehouse due to the narrowed aisles. In addition to this, Reach Trucks are generally more compact trucks. They typically reach a lot higher than a standard counterbalance forklift as the mast is bigger, reaching over 8m for D2 category trucks

Types of Reach Truck Forklifts

D1 Rider Operated Reach Truck, up to 8-meter lift
D2 Rider Operated Reach Truck, above an 8-meter lift
D3 & A7 Pedestrian Operated Reach Truck

In September 2017, and subsequently, in September 2018, new testing standards were released for reach trucks. This introduced more strict measures for testing criteria within all three testing elements, the practical test, pre-use check test and theory test.

Course Timings

The following course timings are based on 3 : 1 candidates : instructor ratio. Please note that the timings for your course may vary.

Novice: The training course takes five days to complete for those new to reach truck forklift operations.
Experienced/Existing Operator: Experienced forklift operators will typically complete the reach truck training in three days.
Conversion (from alternative type forklift): Conversion training from an alternate type of forklift takes two days to complete. However, this is down to the instructors’ discretion. Further training may be recommended if the candidates do not reach the required standard.
Refresher Training: Refresher reach truck operator training can be completed successfully in one day.

Yale Reach Truck

What does this course entail?

Reach truck forklift training is a comprehensive course covering all of the most important details and aspects that learners should know to be efficient operators. The course covers, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Regulations/legislation including LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998 and HASAWA 1974
  • Introduction to truck
  • Capacity plates
  • Stability
  • Working within racking
  • Maneuvering in narrow aisles
All delegates will need to pass a theoretical and practical test and a pre-use check test to pass reach truck operator training. All three must be passed to complete the course.
 

What will a candidate receive upon successful completion of a basic operators course?

Certification: Upon successful completion of training, you will receive a certificate, accredited by your chosen accrediting body (ITSSAR, RTITB or AITT). Check out our accreditation page for more information.

Photo ID Cards: These are also available, although depending on your chosen accreditation, they may be added to the cost quoted.

Available Course Dates

# SELECTED
Course NameDateTimeCourse LocationDelegate PriceDelegate FeesQuantityPlaces Left Book

AITT – D1 – Rider – Reach Truck – Novice

 14/07/25 – 17/07/25
i

14/07/2025 08:30 – 16:00

15/07/2025 08:30 – 16:00

16/07/2025 08:30 – 16:00

17/07/2025 08:30 – 16:00

08:30 – 16:00 HL Training Centre £800.00 £25 0 Full

ITSSAR – D1 – Rider – Reach Truck – Refresher

 22/07/25
i

22/07/2025 08:30 – 16:00

08:30 – 16:00 HL Training Centre £160.00 £25 0 Full

AITT – D1 – Rider – Reach Truck – Refresher

 13/10/25
i

13/10/2025 08:30 – 16:00

08:30 – 16:00 HL Training Centre £160.00 £25 3

Get Started Today

If you’re ready to get started with reach truck operator training, contact our expert team at HL Training to find out more. Our friendly team can help you with any advice and guidance on our reach truck course not already covered here.

Alternatively, if reach truck forklift training is not the right option for your team, don’t hesitate to explore our wider range of training courses available. Plus, you can learn more about us and why you should choose HL Training for your course needs today.

hl training services contact details

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still unsure, look for the answers to your queries in our most frequently asked questions.

Do I need a forklift license to operate a reach truck?

You do not need a forklift license to operate a reach truck, as these simply do not exist. There is no such thing as a forklift license. Instead, you need relevant forklift operators’ training and subsequent certification to be able to safely and legally operator forklift machinery.

Sometimes, and ID card is offered alongside the basic certification, which can sometimes be mistaken for a ‘forklift license’.

What is the difference between a reach truck and a counterbalance forklift?

Counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks are two common pieces of equipment in warehouses and other sites, and they share similarities in usage. However, each vehicle has its distinct features that should be considered. The key difference is that counterbalance forklifts can carry more weight but reach trucks can lift weight higher and in narrower aisles, maximising space in the warehouse. Counterbalance forklifts have a forward-facing cab, whereas reach trucks have a side-facing cab to facilitate better visibility.

Can you drive a reach truck with counterbalance training?

You can not rely on counterbalance training to be able to operate reach truck forklifts. As the two pieces of equipment are classed as different machines, relevant training must be undertaken and completed for each specific machines to operate safely and legally. However, at HL Training, we offer conversion training programs that acknowledge a learner’s previous experience with other machines. These teach the differences and fill any gaps in their knowledge and experience with the new machine.

Find counterbalance training courses also available from our wider forklift training course offering.