Forklift training enhances job prospects

Training offenders to drive forklifts has resulted in people serving sentences of Community Work in the Corrections’ Central Region increasing their job prospects.

Community Corrections in Tauranga, Te Awamutu and Hamilton have had 23 participants graduate from the one day forklift driving programme, facilitated by Ellison Driver Training, between April and June 2016.

The six-hour hands-on course covers all aspects of forklift driving as well as Worksafe health and safety requirements.

Following the theory and training components all participants are required to pass a practical driving test which involves taking a load off a truck, placing it within a designated area and reversing the forklift back into position.

When the test is passed the appropriate unit standard means that some participants can have this qualification endorsed on their drivers licence. The qualification remains valid for three years, opening up a range of employment opportunities for those who have achieved it.

Corrections Regional Principal Employment Adviser Mark Cleaver sees the difference the training can make for potential employers:

“There are many employers who are willing to give our clients a second chance and that is a great thing because we all know that stable employment reduces the risk of committing further crime. When you can help someone achieve meaningful qualifications that are useful on the worksite, that’s a win for everyone.”

There were plenty of laughs during the practical section of the day with people able to watch each other learn to manoeuvre the forklift until they developed their skills, says Mark:

“It was all in good fun and every person who did the course has given us positive feedback so far, with several asking for similar courses in the future.”

ENDS

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