Telescopic Handler (Telehandler) Training

Complete beginners: 4 days

Experienced operators: 2 days + assessment

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (existing card holders). If you're unsure which applies, we can assess your current capability and recommend the right route.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 4-day course. If you've got experience, we can shorten the training (2 days) based on your current level.

A17 (Standard Telehandler): Fixed chassis—boom extends and elevates forward only. To place loads in different directions, you reposition the entire machine. More mobile, simpler load charts, most common on construction sites.

A77 (Rotating Telehandler): 360° rotating upper structure allows boom to slew in full circle. Requires outrigger stabilisers, complex load charts, used for precision placement from fixed positions. A17 is far more common and versatile for general site work.

No. Telehandlers have a telescopic boom that extends forward and elevates, allowing load placement at significant height (6-17 metres or more). Designed for outdoor use on construction sites and rough terrain.

Forklifts have a fixed vertical mast, designed for warehouse use on smooth floors with lower lift heights. The qualifications are separate and not interchangeable. A17 covers telehandlers only.

Telehandler capacity changes dramatically based on boom position. As the boom extends forward and elevates, the load moves further from the machine's centre of gravity, reducing safe capacity significantly.

Example: A machine might safely lift 4 tonnes with boom retracted, but only 1 tonne at maximum reach and height. Operating beyond these limits causes forward tip-over—serious and potentially fatal.

Load charts provide safe working load for every boom position. Our training emphasizes this because it's the most critical safety skill for telehandler operators.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction, agricultural, and industrial sites.

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 (Lift Truck - Telehandler) while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A17 and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, 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.).

Only with a purpose-designed, certified work platform (man cage) specifically manufactured for telehandler mounting.

Additional requirements: Operator must have A17E endorsement (suspended loads), thorough risk assessment required, platform occupants must wear harnesses, ground must be level and suitable.

Never use pallets, makeshift platforms, or unapproved equipment to lift people. This is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Telehandlers are used across numerous sectors:

• Construction: Moving materials to upper floors, loading blocks, timber, roofing materials
• Agriculture: Handling bales, feedstuffs, fertilizer, general farmyard work
• Warehousing: Large storage facilities managing stock at height
• Builders Merchants: Timber yards and building supply depots
• Manufacturing: Factories moving materials and goods
• Plant Hire: Equipment rental companies

This diversity means telehandler operators enjoy varied employment options and strong job security.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong—usually load chart interpretation, boom operation, or safety procedures.

Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested—whether that's more practice on load charts, 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.

For construction sites and private land: No driving licence required. The CPCS A17 alone permits operation on sites, farms, industrial premises, and private property.

For public roads: If driving the telehandler on highways between sites, you typically need a UK Category B driving licence (car licence).

Most telehandlers on construction sites operate entirely off-road, so a driving licence isn't essential for the job.

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
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

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.

Yes. If you hold A17 and want to add A17E suspended loads capability, you can do so with additional training.

Typically 2 days training on lifting accessories, slinging techniques, and jib operations, plus separate theory and practical tests.

The A17E endorsement expands opportunities, particularly for steel erection, civil engineering, and industrial installation work.

A17E operators typically command £2-£4 per hour premium over standard A17 rates.

A17 Telehandler: Telescopic boom extends forward and elevates, allowing load placement at significant height (6-17 metres). Ideal for loading upper floors, scaffolding, elevated platforms. Most versatile materials handler on construction sites.

A14 Rough Terrain Forklift: Fixed vertical mast (like warehouse forklifts) built for outdoor use. Lower lift height (4-7 metres), no forward reach. Simpler, more robust, better for repetitive low-level loading.

Telehandlers are far more common on UK construction sites, making A17 the more versatile and valuable qualification for most operators.