CPCS Forklift Training (A16)

This CPCS forklift training is for industrial forklifts, also known as a heavy-duty forklift. It is a type of forklift designed for heavy-duty use in industrial applications such as warehouses, ports, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities. Compared to regular forklifts, industrial forklifts are larger and have a greater lifting capacity, typically ranging from 13,000 to 80,000 pounds.

Industrial forklifts have a variety of unique features that make them suitable for handling heavy loads in challenging environments. For example, they have reinforced frames, larger tires, and powerful engines to support their heavy-lifting capabilities. They are also equipped with hydraulic systems that allow for precise control of the lifting and lowering of heavy loads.

Another significant difference between industrial forklifts and regular forklifts is their specialized attachments. Industrial forklifts often have specialised attachments such as paper roll clamps, fork positioners, and side shifters that allow them to handle a variety of loads with ease. Project Skills Solutions offers the CPCS A16 Forklift training course available for both beginner and experienced operators. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take the CPCS tests and become a certified Industrial Forklift Operator.

The CPCS covers an extensive range of plant categories. The Construction Plant Competence Scheme uses practical and written assessments to ensure you are competent in your chosen category. These assessments are taken at the end of your training.

1. Pass the relevant Health, Safety and Environment Test.
2. Attend training days in your chosen category.
3. At the end of your training, complete your category assessments (assessment fee’s are included in your course price).
4. Receive your Trained Operator (red) or Competent Operator (blue) card.

What is the difference between the Red and Blue CPCS Card?

You can start working within your chosen category once you have earned the Red (trained operator) card. The card confirms the core skills, knowledge and understanding required. However, a newly trained operator will still require full and close supervision until they deemed sufficiently experienced to without supervision. That is where the Blue CPCS card comes in.

Red CPCS Card
Each category on your red card will have it’s own 2 year expiry date the card itself has no expiry. Your Red card is not renewable, this is to ensure progression towards your competent card (The Blue CPCS card). During the 2 years you will be expected to register and achieve a NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) and upgrade to the Blue (competent operator) card.

Blue CPCS Card
To earn your Blue card you must meet the requirements of the Red card plus complete an NVQ or SVQ in your category.
Your Blue card will last for 5 years, each category on the card will have the expiry of the card itself. You will have to renew your card within the 5 years.

If you would like to read more about the application process for Red and Blue CPCS cards, read this ‘How to get your CPCS Card’ document from CPCS.