Whether its a heavy crate, carton, container or pallet of goods you need shifted, stacked or unstacked, you need the skills of a forklift operator. Driving a truck that is fitted with a load carriage, they are able to manipulate the fork-shaped carriage to lift and position heavy objects. Good Judgement is a Must: The role of a forklift operator goes far beyond just lifting and stacking a load and driving a forklift truck is definitely not for everyone, according to a former training consultant to the Road Transport Training Council. 'People in this occupation need excellent judgement skills. They must be able to estimate how much a load weighs to determine if they'll be able to carry it and be able to judge the width and height of a load to ensure it will fit into a designated area. They also need good judgement for negotiating tight turns, moving the truck around obstacles and for driving in reverse,' says Will.Keep goods moving safely and efficiently.
As a Forklift Driver, you operate industrial forklifts to lift, move, stack and transport materials such as pallets, crates, containers and bulk goods. You work in warehouses, factories, timber yards and shipping terminals, using controls to raise and lower loads, navigate tight spaces and position items accurately. Some forklifts run on rails or use electronic guidance systems, especially in narrow aisle environments. Your role includes checking gauges and monitoring equipment performance, inspecting machinery for wear or damage, and carrying out minor servicing or adjustments. You also ensure goods are stored in the correct locations so orders can be filled quickly and accurately. In some settings, you may operate specialised trucks designed to carry loads beneath elevated frames. It’s a practical, safety focused role that keeps supply chains running smoothly.
For further information:
Department of State Development
Ph: 1300 117 088
Email: diisreception@sa.gov.au
Website: www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au

SA Freight Council
Ph: 0415 210 849
Email: admin@safreightcouncil.com.au
Website: www.safreightcouncil.com.au

TAFE SA offers a short course in Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck which may assist in gaining employment in the occupation.

Outside of their driving duties, its also a forklift operator's responsibility to keep a check on his/her forklift. They should know how to inspect the vehicle for fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant and battery water. However, major problems are likely to be referred to a supervisor. On the downside, operators all warn that if you can't tolerate sitting for long periods of time, perhaps this is not the occupation for you.

There will always be a need for forklift operators. 'Its a very stable occupation, offering long-term employment. Its an occupation that's been around for a very long time and its not going to disappear. People will always need items moved or stored. And even though warehouses will become computerised, there's still going to be a need for forklift operators.'

Aside from good judgement, forklift operators should have an understanding of how heavy mobile machinery operates and be willing to follow instructions. To help avoid accidents, good hand-eye co-ordination, reflexes and eyesight are also important. Safety is also a concern. Going down a steep surface with a load can be difficult, so finding the safest route is part of the job.

One Transport Owner and Forklift Operator, recalls one of his more unusual loads. 'I had to load two caged lions, weighing about one tonne, into a truck and then transport them from Narrogin to Ballarat in Victoria.'

You have to undertake the transportation and distribution of all types of freight throughout the State and the rest of Australia. Having a forklift truck on-board ensures the freight can be easily loaded and unloaded as required. In South Australia, forklift operators are mostly employed in the transport and distribution and manufacturing industries. They may work at warehouses, factories, timber yards and shipping terminals.

Forklift operators must enjoy practical and manual activities. They need to be good working with their hands and are able to judge distances. It is essential that they have a high level of safety awareness and good eyesight and hearing.