How Do I Get Telehandler Training and Certification in the UK?

A telehandler (telescopic handler) is a common machinery that is used in the construction industry. However, construction workers need proper training and certification to handle this one.

With a high level of versatility, telehandlers are a demanding machine in the UK construction sector. Well, you cannot operate it if you are not trained. Trained operators are needed for telehandler operation to ensure worksite safety, prevent workplace accidents, and comply with legal standards.

In the United Kingdom, construction workers go through NPORS training to handle a telehandler. This blog evaluates how one can get telehandler training and certification in the UK.

What is a Telehandler and Why Do You Need Training to Operate It?

A telehandler is a hydraulic lifting machine that helps in carrying and placing heavy materials. This equipment is basically a combination of cranes and forklifts. Besides the construction industry, this machinery is used in warehouses.

Operating a telehandler requires competence, precision, and a detailed understanding of safety protocols. To ensure this, construction workers in the UK must obtain specific training (CPCS or NPORS). Enrolling in a course means you will obtain a specific certification. Let’s see why you need telehandler certification.

Table 1: Needs for telehandler certification

What Is NPORS Training?

Founded in 1992, the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme (NPORS) is a leading accredited body for plant machinery training in the UK. This agency supports the training and testing of mobile plant operators, lift truck operators, and powered work equipment operators.

Construction workers obtain NPORS cards after completing the training. These are acceptable to most of the contractors in the UK. To become experts in handling telehandlers, workers go for NPORS training. Let’s see how it differs from CPCS training.

Table 2: NPORS training vs CPCS training

This indicates that getting an NPORS certification to operate a telehandler is more effective than a CPCS certification.  

NPORS Training: What It Covers?

Around 1,300 people are involved in lift truck-related accidents annually in the UK. Therefore, construction workers must engage in NPORS training to lower risks in the workplace. Here are the items that the training module covers.

• Safe and efficient lift truck operation
• Associated risks (falls, collisions, tip-overs, etc.)
• Securing loads
• Stacking and destacking
• Lift truck stability

NPORS Telehandler Training: The Step-by-Step Process

Here are the steps that you will go through in the training process.

Figure: Steps of Telehandler training

1. Finding an NPORS-accredited training provider: The training process begins with choosing an NPORS-accredited training provider. You need to rely on a provider that has access to modern equipment and has experienced instructors.
2. Enrolling in the Telehandler Course: To receive certification in telehandler handling, you need to enrol in the N010 course. You will be offered skills and knowledge that are needed to operate a telehandler. This enrolment process is done within a day.
3. Theory Sessions and Hands-on Training: After enrolment, the training process starts. The duration of the training is 2 to 5 days. Here, both theoretical sessions and practical instructions are offered to the trainees.
4. Written and Practical Test: To test the training outcomes, the NPORS agency conducts written and practical tests for the candidates. Here, they need to demonstrate safety awareness and operational control.
5. Certification: If you pass the test successfully, certification will be ensured within 7 to 10 days. Here, you will receive the NPORS Card. This permits you to work in most of the construction companies. You might opt for the NPORS CSCS Card to get access to major construction sites.

Applying for NPORS Telehandler Training: What are the Key Requirements?

Do you want to become an expert in telehandler training? Here are the requirements to engage in the training procedure.

• Should be over 18 years
• Fundamental understanding of English and numeracy
• Passing the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test

Even if you are a novice, you don’t need any prior experience. There are refresher courses for experienced operators.

What Are the Career Benefits of NPORS Certification?

NPORS certification for telehandler training helps in the career progression of construction workers. Here’s how:

• Better job opportunities: NPORS certifications are recognised by most of the firms in the construction and agricultural sectors of the UK. Hence, you can obtain better employment opportunities while being involved in the telehandler training.
• Skill enhancement: NPORS training makes a construction worker more skilled and competent. This makes you handle different types of telehandlers (rotating, articulated, compact, etc.) conveniently.
• Better pay: Certified operators are better paid than the non-certified ones. Hence, having an NPORS certificate increases your income level.

How to Upgrade and Maintain NPORS Certification?

The validity of an NPORS certification varies from one type to another. Like, the Trained Operator Card is valid for two years. Whereas a Competent Operator Card has a validity of five years. If you want to renew your certificate, you need to undertake a refresher course.

Final Thoughts

A telehandler is a complex machinery that needs to be handled with care and precision. Hence, NPORS training is effective for construction workers. A trained professional can contribute to lower workplace accidents, along with obeying the legal standards. Such certification helps in obtaining better job opportunities.

Planning to Become a Certified Telehandler Operator?

Engage in NPORS telehandler training to get skilled in this arena. Choose a well-known training and certification agency in the United Kingdom and get enrolled. This makes you more competent while showing better outcomes in the workplace.