Industrial Counterbalance Forklift Training

Complete beginners: 3 days

Experienced operators: 2 days + assessment

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (test only). If you're unsure which applies, we offer a free practical assessment to advise the best route.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've got warehouse forklift experience, we can shorten the training (2 days) or advise whether you're ready for the Experienced Worker Test.

A16: Industrial (Counterbalance) Forklift—for warehouses and distribution centres, smooth indoor surfaces, smaller solid tyres, rear-wheel steering

A14: Rough Terrain Forklift—for outdoor construction sites, uneven ground, large pneumatic tyres, 4WD capability, four-wheel steering

If you're working in warehouses, logistics, or manufacturing, A16 is what you need. A14 is for construction sites and outdoor materials yards. They're fundamentally different machines requiring different qualifications.

A16 covers counterbalance forklifts, which are the most common type in warehouses. However, some facilities use specialized equipment:

• Reach trucks: Narrow aisle operations, common in high-bay warehouses
• Order pickers: Elevated picking platforms for manual picking
• Powered pallet trucks: Ground-level pallet moving

Most entry-level warehouse jobs require A16. You can add other categories later if needed for specific roles.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK warehouses, distribution centres, and logistics operations.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A16 and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work in warehouse/logistics, logging hours and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).

The EWT is a one-day test-only route for people with significant recent experience on industrial counterbalance forklifts. You need to be confident you can pass both theory and practical tests without training.

Be realistic: If you're borderline, it's smarter to do 2 days of training and go in prepared. Fail the EWT and you'll have to start over with full training.

We offer a free practical assessment to help you decide if you're EWT-ready.

You'll train on industrial counterbalance forklifts typical of warehouse use (usually 1.5-5 tonne capacity). These are well-maintained machines from our own fleet (not hired-in).

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested—whether that's more practice, another day of training, or just booking a retest.

Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.

Counterbalance forklifts are the most common type, but they have unique characteristics requiring specific training:

• Rear-wheel steering: Very different from car steering—back of machine swings out in turns
• Stability triangle: Weight balance between front wheels and rear pivot—move outside this and you tip
• Load overhang: Forks extend beyond front wheels, creating blind spots when travelling
• Centre of gravity shifts: Lifting, tilting, or turning with a load changes stability dramatically

The A16 proves you understand counterbalance principles and can operate safely.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying), or use Apprenticeship Levy for NVQ costs. Many logistics companies also have training budgets.
• Self-employed/Job seekers: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in one of the UK's most in-demand qualifications

We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.

Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time in the cab.

No, a CSCS card isn't required for CPCS training. However, if you have one, bring it—it's useful to have for general site access.

Excellent. Counterbalance forklift operators are consistently in high demand across UK logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing:

• Distribution centre operatives (Amazon, DHL, Royal Mail, Tesco, etc.)
• Warehouse forklift drivers (retail, food, construction suppliers)
• Manufacturing logistics (automotive, engineering, pharmaceuticals)
• Freight and haulage yard operations
• Port and container handling facilities

Pay typically ranges from £22k-£30k+ depending on location, shift patterns (nights/weekends pay more), and experience. It's one of the most reliable ways into logistics work.

Rear-wheel steering on counterbalance forklifts behaves completely differently from normal vehicles:

• Back swings out: When you turn, the rear of the machine swings wide—opposite to what you'd expect from a car
• Tight turning circle: Can spin almost on the spot, but tail swing creates hazards in narrow aisles
• Different sight lines: You need to watch behind and to the side constantly
• Load behaviour changes: How loads move during turns is fundamentally different from front-steer vehicles

Without proper training, operators used to normal vehicles often clip racking, hit pedestrians with tail swing, or misjudge aisle widths. The A16 ensures you understand these unique handling characteristics.