Forklift training provider offering free courses for unemployed in Wigan

UK unemployment rates are expected to hit 2.6 million by the middle of 2021, so any new skills will be a crucial factor in hunts for work.

For those looking to switch industries, build new skills and kick start their journey, or just pick up some new skills for their CV, forklift driving could be the profession for you.

Skelmersdale-based FTW Training are providing free forklift training courses to the unemployed and workers on low incomes.

The firm has been running for about six years and has training offices and an office base at its Peel House Commercial Hub.

It offers RTITB accredited forklift training and covers all of Merseyside, Lancashire and Greater Manchester including Wigan.

Nikki McCarthy-Obey, one of the owners of the business along with Stephen Dovey since December 2018, said: “We were in Widnes but we expanded to Skelmersdale.

“There are two parts to the company, one is supporting people to get qualifications and a forklift licence. We are an accredited centre with annual audits.

“Then there is the commercial side in which companies contact us and private people want to get a licence and pay for themselves.

“We offer on-site and off-site training through our qualified instructors.”

And Nikki said the firm offer a two-week classroom based programme where people get qualifications in forklift operations, before they then complete a further week’s training at the centre.

Those who complete the course come out of it with two level two qualifications an an accredited forklift licence.

Training is free for the unemployed and those earning under £18,000 but people have to be over 24 to take part.

She said; “This is perfect for people on zero hours contracts or who have been furloughed and can’t work.

“It’s a chance for them to upskill and learn something new.”

With lockdown meaning many businesses are closed and workers unable to work, Nikki said that the forklift industry and wider logistics business is in high demand.

She said: “Forklift drivers are needed for so many things whether it’s timber merchants, garden supplies or the events business for stages for music festivals.

“They are classed as key workers and there are so many jobs being advertised for things such as this.

“So my message to people would be that if you want to try something different try one of our training courses.”

The training provider is offering classroom courses in areas including Wigan, Blackpool and Preston.

The latest Wigan course was taking place at Holiday Inn Express, Martland Mill today. They will run every month from then on.

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