Industrial Counterbalance Forklift CPCS A16 Course
Key Features
Of this Counterbalance Forklift A16 Course:
- Develop the skills to operate industrial counterbalance forklifts safely across varied warehouse and yard environments
- Master pre-use inspections, load handling, and stability principles for different pallet types and weights
- Understand current UK regulations including LOLER and PUWER requirements for lift truck operations
- Practise manoeuvring in confined spaces, on gradients and in both indoor and outdoor settings
- Learn to manage pedestrian traffic, racking systems and trailer loading procedures
- Prepare thoroughly for the CPCS technical test including both theory and practical elements
Course Date Availability
Counterbalance Forklift A16 training at the following 3 centres. Prices from £995 per person :
| Training Centres | Next Available Dates |
|---|---|
| Reading | 29th Jun 202627th Jul 2026 |
| Taunton | 6th Jul 20263rd Aug 2026 |
| Wakefield | 15th Jun 202613th Jul 2026 |
Course Information
Overview:
The Industrial Counterbalance Forklift CPCS A16 course delivers the full standard qualification recognised across UK industry for operators of counterbalance lift trucks. Delegates learn the complete range of operational skills required to handle loads safely in warehouses, distribution centres and external yards, covering both seated and stand-on variants where relevant to the category. The training addresses real workplace demands such as working at height on racking, loading and unloading vehicles, and operating on varied surfaces while maintaining stability and visibility. This qualification remains essential for anyone required to operate these machines as part of their role in 2026.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for:
- Warehouse operatives and forklift operators
- Logistics and distribution staff
- Site supervisors and team leaders
- Health and safety personnel overseeing lift truck use
- New entrants to materials handling roles
- Experienced operators seeking formal certification
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Pre-use checks and daily maintenance procedures
- Load weight assessment and centre of gravity principles
- Safe stacking, de-stacking and racking operations
- Manoeuvring techniques in restricted areas and on inclines
- Trailer and vehicle loading/unloading methods
- Pedestrian awareness and traffic management
- Emergency procedures and hazard identification
- Relevant legislation and operator responsibilities
Course Agenda
Overview:
The course combines classroom-based theory sessions with extensive practical training on industrial counterbalance forklifts. Duration varies according to delegate experience, typically spanning several days and concluding with CPCS technical tests.
Key Modules Covered
What you will learn:
- Roles and responsibilities of the lift truck operator
- Machine components, controls and stability factors
- Pre-use inspection and reporting defects
- Operating in confined spaces and on different surfaces
- Load handling, stacking and de-stacking techniques
- Working at height with racking systems
- Vehicle loading and unloading procedures
- Theory and practical CPCS technical tests
Private Courses On-site
Industrial Counterbalance Forklift CPCS A16 training is also available as a dedicated course, at your premises, and on a date and time of your choosing. Advantages of group / private course is the convenience of candidates being in familiar surroundings and not having to travel, the lowest price, and the ability to have the course tailored to your own application.
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Accreditation & Next Steps
What you will achieve as a result:
Successful delegates receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator card upon passing both the theory and practical tests. This allows supervised operation while gaining further on-site experience. After a set period and completion of an NVQ, operators can progress to the Blue Competent Operator card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly asked Industrial Counterbalance Forklift CPCS A16 questions:
Duration depends on prior experience. Novice operators usually attend a five-day programme while experienced operators may complete it in three days.
Delegates must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid CITB health and safety test pass, and be physically fit to operate machinery.
Training covers machine familiarisation, pre-use checks, load handling, stability, manoeuvring, racking operations, vehicle loading, legislation and both theory and practical assessments.
Assessment includes a multiple-choice theory test and a practical test demonstrating safe operation of the industrial counterbalance forklift in a range of scenarios.
Delegates who pass receive the CPCS Red Trained Operator card, confirming they have met the standard for the A16 category.
The Red Trained Operator card is valid for two years. Within this period operators should complete an NVQ to apply for the Blue Competent Operator card.
Operators should undertake refresher training if they have not operated the machine regularly or if site requirements or legislation change.
CPCS A16 focuses specifically on industrial counterbalance trucks and includes rigorous testing recognised on construction and industrial sites, unlike some general handling courses.
Delegates need safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, hard hat, gloves and any prescription glasses or hearing protection they normally require.
Yes. Practical exercises replicate typical warehouse tasks including narrow aisle work, racking operations, gradients and trailer loading.
Experienced operators may attend a shorter programme focused on assessment preparation, provided they can demonstrate existing competence during initial evaluation.
Prices per person typically start at £995. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)
More Information
The training prepares operators for the full spectrum of tasks encountered when using industrial counterbalance forklifts in modern workplaces, from routine pallet movement to more complex trailer and racking operations.
Last updated: May 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group