RTITB Fork Lift Truck Novice Counterbalance Course
Key Features
Of this RTITB Fork Lift Truck Novice Counte Course:
- Covers the complete RTITB novice syllabus for counterbalance forklift trucks
- Combines classroom theory with extensive practical exercises in realistic warehouse conditions
- Develops competence in pre-use checks, safe operation, load handling and hazard awareness
- Includes training on varied loads, racking systems and confined space manoeuvring
- Prepares delegates for the formal RTITB practical and theory assessments
- Suitable for individuals with no previous forklift experience
Course Date Availability
RTITB Fork Lift Truck Novice Counte training at the following 1 centres. Prices from £495 per person :
| Training Centres | Next Available Dates |
|---|---|
| Bolton | 8th Jun 202615th Jun 2026 |
Course Information
Overview:
The RTITB Fork Lift Truck Novice Counterbalance course delivers the full industry-standard training required for new operators of counterbalance forklift trucks in UK workplaces. Delegates learn the correct procedures for operating these trucks safely across a range of warehouse and logistics environments, covering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills. The course follows current RTITB standards and Health and Safety Executive guidance, ensuring operators understand stability principles, load capacity, and the daily responsibilities expected in real working situations.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for:
- New warehouse operatives with no previous forklift experience
- Logistics and distribution staff moving into forklift roles
- Manufacturing and production workers requiring counterbalance certification
- Retail and wholesale personnel handling palletised goods
- Site supervisors who need operational understanding of counterbalance trucks
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Pre-use inspection procedures and daily maintenance checks
- Correct mounting, dismounting and control familiarisation
- Load weight assessment and centre of gravity principles
- Safe stacking, de-stacking and pallet handling techniques
- Manoeuvring in confined spaces and around obstacles
- Travelling on inclines and level surfaces with and without loads
- Hazard identification and pedestrian safety protocols
- Emergency procedures and shutdown routines
Course Agenda
Overview:
The course runs over five days and follows a structured format of classroom-based theory sessions in the morning followed by practical training on counterbalance trucks in a warehouse environment each afternoon, culminating in formal assessments on the final day.
Key Modules Covered
What you will learn:
- Introduction to counterbalance forklift trucks and their applications
- Legislation, operator responsibilities and site safety rules
- Truck stability, load centres and capacity plate interpretation
- Pre-use checks, defect reporting and routine maintenance
- Practical operating skills including laden and unladen travel
- Load handling, stacking and racking operations at various heights
- Advanced manoeuvres, narrow aisle work and hazard avoidance
- Theory and practical assessments to RTITB standards
Private Courses On-site
RTITB Fork Lift Truck Novice Counterbalance 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.
Latest Delegate Feedback
⭐ Rated 4.2 By Our Candidates - (173 reviews)
Xyz Class / course held at the Bolton training centre was 10/10. It was a pleasure dealing with Nicoleta.
★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Andy W - Wed 6th May 2026
Training day conducted on our site was very well explained.
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5 ⭐ – Ben H - Fri 1st May 2026
Wholly engaging...
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5 ⭐ – Andrew F - Thu 30th Apr 2026
RTITB Fork Lift Truck Novice Counterbalance Training day was v.good. Cheers Client Support.
★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Rich J - Wed 29th Apr 2026
Accreditation & Next Steps
What you will achieve as a result:
Successful delegates receive an RTITB certificate of training and an operator licence card. The qualification remains valid for five years, after which refresher training is required to maintain competence and compliance with workplace safety requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly asked RTITB Fork Lift Truck Novice Counterbalance questions:
The standard course duration is five days, combining theory and practical training with assessments on the final day.
No previous forklift experience is required. Delegates must be over 16 years old and physically capable of operating the equipment.
The syllabus includes pre-use checks, truck stability, load handling, manoeuvring, hazard awareness, pedestrian safety and both theory and practical assessments.
Delegates complete a written theory test and a practical test demonstrating safe operation on the counterbalance truck.
Successful delegates receive an RTITB certificate of basic training and an operator licence card.
The RTITB certificate is valid for five years, after which refresher training is recommended.
The novice course is designed for those with no prior experience and includes more foundational practical time, while experienced courses are shorter and focus on assessment only.
Delegates should wear suitable safety footwear and clothing appropriate for a warehouse environment. All training equipment is provided.
Yes, training includes electric and internal combustion engine counterbalance trucks with various mast configurations used in typical UK workplaces.
Skills learned cover daily pre-shift checks, safe load movement, racking operations and working around pedestrians in active warehouse settings.
Yes, operators should complete refresher training every five years or sooner if involved in an incident or after a long period away from operating.
Many providers can deliver the training at a client's premises provided suitable equipment and space are available for practical exercises.
Prices per person typically start at £495. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)
More Information
This training equips new operators with the practical skills and safety knowledge needed to work confidently with counterbalance forklift trucks from their first day on site.
Last updated: May 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group