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CPCS Training - (A16) Industrial Counterbalance Forklift Training
The CPCS A16 Forklift course uses simulated site conditions to teach candidates the skills and knowledge needed to operate an Industrial Counterbalance Forklift safely and earn their accreditation.
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Course Overview
The CPCS Industrial Forklift course is for A16 forklift drivers and operators. It uses practical exercises to help you pass the CPCS technical test. This course teaches you to use a counter-balance industrial forklift safely and efficiently. A counterbalance forklift weights the back to balance the load lifted at the front. It is commonly used in storage, warehouses, and distribution centres for tasks like loading, stacking, and moving items horizontally.
The course aims to help you earn a CPCS Red Operator Card or Blue Competent Operative Card, demonstrating your core skills and understanding of the job. The course teaches learners the latest health and safety rules and is approved by the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS).
CPCS Course Entry Requirements
To complete your registration, please provide:
- Your current CSCS Card Number
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your Date of Birth
- Your Home Address
You must also complete a valid CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Touch Screen Test within the last two years. A good understanding of English, both written and spoken, is necessary.
What Will You Learn
- Driving an A16 Industrial Forklift
- Legal Duties for Employees and Employers
- Attaching and Using Additional Equipment
- Performing Regular Maintenance and Servicing
- Preparing the Forklift for Road Use
- Following Safety Guidelines and Procedures
- Understanding the Machine’s Components
- Conducting Pre-Start Inspections and Ongoing Checks
- Navigating Tight or Restricted Spaces Safely
- Transporting Loads Between Different Locations
Course Assessment and Certification
Candidates will take both practical and written tests. After successfully passing these tests, they will receive a CPCS Red Trained Operator Card, valid for 2 years.
The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), established in 2003, promotes safe and standardised working practices within the plant sector. CPCS training courses teach learners the necessary skills and knowledge to operate plant machinery safely and effectively according to UK health and safety regulations.
CPCS Card Categories
CPCS Red Trained Operator Card: This is issued after initial CPCS training.
CPCS Blue Competent Operative Card Card: To upgrade from a Red Card to a Blue Card, candidates must complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) relevant to their category. NVQs are available for:
- Slinger Signaller
- Crane Supervisor
- Mobile Crane
- Crawler Crane
- Appointed Person
- Vehicle Marshaller
- Telehandler
- Forward Tipping Dumper
- Excavator 360 Degree Digger
Industrial Counterbalance Forklift
How to Obtain a CPCS Card
The CPCS scheme comprises three stages, and Hurak Learning can assist you throughout the process:
- Red Trained Operator Card: This card confirms core skills, knowledge, and understanding applicable in the workplace. It is awarded upon completing the CPCS Theory and Practical Technical Tests at an accredited test centre.
Candidates must also have passed the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test within the last two years. The Red Card is valid for two years and is non-renewable. To upgrade to a Blue Card, candidates must complete the relevant NVQ within this period. - Blue Competent Operator Card: To obtain this card, you must upgrade from the Red Card by completing the appropriate NVQ in Plant Operations through the On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) method at your workplace. An assessor will visit you several times to collect evidence of your experience. After reviewing the evidence, your Blue Card will be issued and valid for five years.
- National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs): NVQs are competence-based qualifications achieved in the workplace. They assess your ability to perform a job safely and effectively. To complete an NVQ, candidates must submit work-based evidence and undergo an assessment by observation with an assessor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A counterbalance forklift weights the back to balance the load lifted at the front. It is commonly used in storage, warehouses, and distribution centres for tasks like loading, stacking, and moving items horizontally.
The CPCS A16 course trains individuals to operate counterbalance forklifts safely and effectively in various industrial settings. It covers key skills such as operating, manoeuvring, and maintaining forklifts.
The course is for individuals operating counterbalance forklifts in industrial environments, including those new to forklift operations or needing to refresh their skills.
You will learn how to operate a counterbalance forklift, understand its components and controls, perform safety checks, handle loads, navigate tight spaces, and comply with relevant safety regulations.
The CPCS A16 course typically ranges from 2 to 5 days, depending on your experience level and the specific training provider.
While there are no strict prerequisites, some experience with forklift operations and passing the CSCS Health, Safety, and Environment touchscreen test within the last two years can be beneficial.
Upon completing the course, you will receive a CPCS Red Card (Trained Operator) for the Industrial Counterbalance Forklift, valid for two years.
Yes, during the validity of your Red Card, you can work towards obtaining an NVQ in Plant Operations, which will allow you to upgrade to a Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card.
Yes, the course includes practical training, during which you will operate a counterbalance forklift, perform maneuvers, and handle loads to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
The course includes assessments to evaluate your understanding and practical skills. This typically involves a combination of practical exercises, written tests, and demonstrations.