Is it time to move to the next level in your manufacturing career?
Are you thinking about becoming certified on a forklift?
If you work in manufacturing or in a warehouse you may be looking for ways to improve your upward mobility. A forklift certification can be a great way to move forward in your career and it offers a lot of advantages that you may not know about.
Below we'll look at some of the reasons you may want to become certified on a forklift.
Stand Out from Other Job Applicants
One of the best benefits of becoming forklift certified is that it can help you stay more competitive when looking for a job. A certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and have a leg up when either looking for a new job or trying to get a promotion.
A forklift certification moves you beyond the average warehouse worker and transforms you into one that is more skilled. You'll be more valuable to employers with a forklift certification so if you want to improve your job prospects at your current company or elsewhere, earning a certification can help.
Gain More Job Mobility
A forklift operation certification can also make it easier for you to move across the country because it makes you more hirable. If you and your family want to live in another state or city, you likely won't have a hard time during your job search.
Forklift jobs are plentiful and as a certified forklift operator, you'll be in high demand. Manufacturers and warehouses exist all across the country and they're often in desperate need of forklift operators. Luckily, your forklift certification will be recognized just about everywhere.
If you're preparing for a big move and are anticipating a job search in a new place, you may want to consider getting your certification sooner rather than later.
Obey the Law
Contrary to what some people may believe, doing work on a forklift without a certification is against the law. A division of the United States Department of Labor known as The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has set certain forklift safety standards and requirements. Forklift operators have to be trained thoroughly and need to have received an OSHA certification in order to operate a forklift.
Operating a forklift without a certification can land an employer into big trouble and can lead to a minimum fine of $7,000, but as much as $70,000. Needless to say, you and your employer both probably don't want this to happen.
Help Improve Safety in the Workplace
When it comes to improving safety in the workplace, becoming forklift certified can be a tremendous help. You'll learn how to comply with the OSHA regulations mentioned above and you'll know how to put safety first, while still being efficient and productive at work.
Proper forklift safety is very important. Improper use of a forklift can not only risk causing property damage but can also potentially injure fellow employees as well. By getting your forklift certification you'll become a more responsible worker that contributes to the wellbeing of your entire team.
Qualify for Additional Forklift Types
Some people don't realize that there are many types and classifications of forklifts. To operate one, you'll need to be certified for each specific type.
Even if you're already certified for some types of forklifts, getting certified for new forklift classifications can help you add even more specialized skills to your resume. You'll increase your capability of working for your current employer or apply for a new job. You'll also most likely be able to get paid more as you learn new forklift skills.
Additionally, if you would like to continue on to using even heavier equipment later on, becoming certified for additional classes of forklifts can serve as a great stepping stone.
Earn a Larger Paycheck
In addition to giving you access to more job opportunities and promotions, becoming a certified forklift operator can also lead to you earning a larger paycheck than what you're currently earning.
Having a specialized skill can increase your earnings and help ensure that you have more money for you and your family. When making the switch from an unskilled warehouse or manufacturing job to a forklift job you'll be able to start bringing home more money immediately.
Improve Your Confidence and Efficiency
Earning your forklift certification will also help you become more proficient at work and can allow you to feel more confident in yourself. You'll be able to gain the confidence of knowing that you have a specialized skill set. You'll also be a more valuable asset to whatever company you're working for.
When operating a forklift, you'll be able to be more effective and productive at your job and you may just find that your work days become more satisfying than they ever were before.
Making the Decision to Get Your Forklift Certification
If you're wondering whether it's time to get a forklift certification, the list above may just answer your question.
Becoming a certified forklift operator can improve your work life in some big ways and can lead to you having a more satisfying experience each day. Getting your certification may end up being one of the wisest choices you've made throughout your career.
Ready to get forklift certified? Click here to learn more about our training options now.
