Forklift truck engineer
Engineering and Maintenance

Related videos on a forklift truck engineer

How to become a forklift truck engineer

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

College

You can do a course in vehicle mechanics before applying for a job with a garage or repair service. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
• Level 2 Diploma in Plant or Machinery Maintenance
• Level 2 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You can complete an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in lift truck vehicle maintenance and repair.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Direct application

You can apply for jobs if you've got experience in lorry or bus servicing, mechanical engineering, or repairing construction or agricultural machinery.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• the ability to use your initiative
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need a full driving licence if you're going to work as a mobile service engineer. You might also need a forklift operator certificate, though your employer may put you through that training when you start work.

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• visiting clients on-site with a mobile workshop
• identifying problems using tools, a laptop or hand-held computer
• repairing or replacing faulty parts
• servicing engines
• test-driving trucks and making adjustments
• carrying out safety checks

Working environment

You could work in a workshop or visit sites. Your working environment may be dirty. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

You could become a repair workshop supervisor or plant hire centre manager. You could also do further training to work on construction machinery, or become an electrical or mechanical engineer.