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Forklift truck engineer

Alternative titles for this job include Forklift service engineer

Forklift truck engineers service and repair lift trucks.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can complete an advanced apprenticeship in lift truck and powered access vehicle engineering.

This typically takes 36 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study.

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

More Information

Direct Application

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and 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

Restrictions and 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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

On a typical day you could:

  • visit clients on-site with a mobile workshop
  • identify problems using tools, a laptop or hand-held computer
  • diagnose electrical, mechanical and hydraulic faults
  • repair or replace faulty parts
  • service engines
  • test-drive trucks and make adjustments
  • carry 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

You could become self-employed and run your own servicing business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Service Engineer Apprentice

  • Wage: £11,200.00 Annually
  • Location: Follimgsby Avenue, Gateshead

Apprentice Lift Truck Technician

  • Wage: £13,500.00 Annually
  • Location: Heywood
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

NVQ Diploma in Plant Maintenance (Construction)

  • Provider: NEWCASTLE AND STAFFORD COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Stafford
Find courses near you

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