What is a Forklift Driver?
Summary
Forklift Drivers play an important role in warehouses, construction sites, and production facilities, ensuring the smooth and safe movement of materials. With specialized training and licensing, forklift drivers have a key responsibility to operate forklifts to transport, stack, and organize heavy materials or products. The demand for skilled forklift drivers is consistently high across Australia, making it a stable and rewarding career choice.
Types of Forklift Drivers: LF & LO
In Australia, there are two main types of forklift drivers:
- LF Drivers: These drivers operate a wide range of forklifts, including counterbalance forklifts, reach forklifts, and high reach forklifts.
- LO Drivers: These drivers specialise in operating order-picking forklifts. LO drivers work at elevated heights and are responsible for selecting and retrieving items from storage, often in large warehouses or distribution centres. LO forklift drivers are expected to wear a harness and abide by specific safety requirements which are different to standard LF requirements.
Tasks Required:
Forklift Drivers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Loading and Unloading Materials: Safely lifting and transporting materials to and from storage areas, trucks, or production lines.
- Inspecting Equipment: Conducting daily inspections of the forklift to ensure it’s in safe working condition.
- Inventory Management: Assisting in the organization and maintenance of inventory, including stacking, and arranging materials.
- Adhering to Safety Protocols: Following strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries on the job.
- Reporting and Documentation: Keeping records of materials moved, maintenance performed, and any incidents.
How to Obtain a Forklift Licence in Australia
To legally operate a forklift in Australia, you must obtain a licence, The key steps to acquiring a Forklift licence are:
- Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and understand safety instructions.
- Training: Enrol in a forklift training course with an RTO.
- Assessment: Pass the training assessment conducted by the RTO.
- Application: Submit your application for a licence to your relevant state or territory.
Current Employment Stats
The demand for forklift drivers in Australia is relatively robust and is driven by the continuous growth in Australia’s logistics, warehousing, and construction sectors. According to the Jobs and Skills Australia, the number of forklift driver jobs is expected to climb. As of 2024, there are an estimated 72,100 forklift operators employed across Australia.
Average Salary and Job Openings
According to SEEK, Forklift drivers in Australia can expect to earn an average salary ranging from $60,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the type of industry. Job openings are consistently available, particularly in major cities and regions with strong industrial activity. As of 2024, the annual employment growth for Forklift Drivers is between 2000 to 3000 drivers across Australia.
Skills and Education for Forklift Drivers
Hard Skills:
- Forklift Operation: Proficiency in operating different types of forklifts, including counterbalance and high-reach forklifts.
- Safety Compliance: Knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Basic understanding of forklift mechanics for routine inspections and minor troubleshooting.
Soft Skills:
- Attention to Detail: Precision in loading, stacking, and moving materials.
- Communication: Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with team members.
- Time Management: Efficiently managing time to complete tasks within deadlines.
- Problem-Solving: Quickly addressing and resolving issues that may arise during operations.
Education: While a high school diploma or equivalent is often sufficient, completing a vocational education and training (VET) course in logistics or warehousing can be advantageous.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need experience to get a forklift licence?
- No previous experience is required, but completing a training course is mandatory to obtain a licence. You cannot be employed as a forklift driver without a licence.
- How long does it take to get a forklift licence?
- The process typically takes about 3 to 5 days, including training and assessment.
- Can I operate any type of forklift with an LF licence?
- An LF licence allows you to operate most types of forklifts except for order-picking forklifts, which require an LO licence.
- Are there age requirements to become a forklift driver?
- Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for a forklift licence in Australia.
- What are the job prospects for forklift drivers in Australia?
- Job prospects are strong, with consistent demand across various industries, particularly in logistics and warehousing.
Join the Industry!
If you are looking for the next opportunity to work as a Forklift Driver in the industrial sector, we’d love to hear from you. Register with Staff Australia or Apply now!
