| Perhaps you’re wondering: what are the actual benefits of earning my forklift license? If you have been weighing the cost and benefits of completing your forklift license, then hopefully the following reasons will help convince you. Keep reading and you’ll see why this certification is so valuable.
It’s Doable and Convenient
It’s a great age to be alive. It has never been easier or more convenient to educate or improve yourself, especially when it comes to licenses and certifications. The forklift certification is something which can easily be completed in person (if you do best with one on one learning) or online (if you like the convenience of accessing your training material from a smartphone, tablet, or computer). Most courses include a variety of learning materials, from videos to written materials and hands-on experience.
It’s a Valuable Field
Getting your forklift certification is even more profitable because it is a valuable field. This means that you have the chance to make even more money after you have earned your certification (and in the future). Here are some encouraging and interesting facts: the highest paid forklift drivers earned $64,820 in 2013. It’s a very specific field and finding the right employer is important. If you are willing to relocate, find a state where a forklift driver is paid the most. For example, the top ten states to work as a forklift operator include North Dakota, Kansas, Wyoming, Washington, Michigan, Alaska, and Missouri. These top states had adjusted salaries ranging from $37,000-$42,000. If you’re looking for a career involving forklift operation, it’s important to do more research on particular companies and locations where you will receive the highest compensation.
It Helps to Market Yourself
There’s nothing better than providing yourself with skills which will help catch the eye of employers. Obtaining a forklift certification is a part of educating and improving yourself, which, additionally, serves to market your abilities and turn you into a worker who is valuable and highly accomplished. If you can set yourself above the rest and show that you have what it takes to succeed in the workplace, then you will see your hard work pay off.
It Looks Good on a Resume
On top of helping to market yourself, having a forklift certification on your resume is a significant accomplishment. Companies and employers are looking for people who are already trained and who have experience in their field. Showing that you already have your license and corresponding knowledge infers your proactive nature in the workplace and your motivation to stand out. You will be valuable to them because you will be more productive and able to ensure everyone’s safety.
It’s a Requirement in the Workplace
Believe it or not, it is required that all forklift operators have an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification. This is particularly crucial to promote safety and avoid injury in the workplace. Not surprisingly, then OSHA can heavily fine companies for allowing employees to operate without a license. If you are injured on the job without a certification, both and you and your employer can end up in some pretty messy insurance business. So, having a forklift license is definitely in you and your employer’s best interest.
It’s Something You Can Renew
Fortunately, it is generally pretty easy to keep your forklift certification. Usually after three years, an employer or experienced professional will perform an evaluation of each individual forklift operator. This can include additional training or refresher training depending on the record of the forklift operator and any observed problems.
It’s a Pathway to Earning More Money
Individuals with their forklift certification make pretty decent money. The average earnings for a forklift operator in the U.S. range between $32,115-$41,159.This isn’t necessarily accounting for other jobs related to forklift operating.
It Opens a Path to Further Opportunities Gaining your forklift certification, particular when you pair it with your other work experience and education, will open up doors for further opportunities. You can also take this certification anywhere across the U.S. You can do more research on particular jobs related to forklift operation. Some of these include building work, special events, and warehouse jobs. Although keep in mind, you may have to undergo additional training specific to your employer.
It Improves Your Workplace
Lastly, gaining your forklift certification is something which will improve your workplace. Not only will it ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, but it will also lend you credibility and show you care about doing things the right way. You will be less likely to use sick time or insurance due to an injury and the quality of your work will only improve. Moreover, you’ll likely be able to work at a quicker speed, damage less company property, be surer of yourself, and, perhaps, be able to maintain your own machine.
It’s the Safest Way
Here are some of the facts: according to OSHA, up to 25% of forklift accidents are caused by insufficient training. Failure to comply with safety and training is evidenced by files ranging from $7,000-$70,000. And apparently, 61% of operators (OSHA) function better after their safety training. According to the CDC, almost 100 workers are killed every due to a forklift-related incident and another 20,000 are injured. These are some pretty scary and eye-opening statistics. So if you go ahead and get that certification, what do you really have to lose?
Wrap Up
If you’re at the end of this article and you’re still thinking about earning your forklift license, go for it! The benefits really do outweigh the minimal cost and time you invest. It’s a growing field and it will pay for itself now by giving you a boost upward in the workforce and continue to be valuable in the future. If you’re still hesitant, do some more research on forklift certification. There are many resources available, most of them detailing the advantages of getting your license. |
