Operator training certificates are important. They support compliance with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Code of Practice for Rider Operated Lift Trucks (L117). They help demonstrate an operator has passed the Basic Operating Skills Test. And they demonstrate achievement on the part of the operator. However, there is no ‘one size fits all’ for certificates. Every business delivering training is different. So, RTITB accredited partners have different options.
This article explains some of the most common myths about accredited training certificates. Here we explain the different certificates you can issue when you become RTITB accredited.
Non-transferable certificates
Turnover in forklift operator roles is high. In the past, many businesses have been reluctant to invest in accredited operator training. The concern is that forklift operators will quickly move on to another employer once they have an accredited certificate.
There is a myth that all accredited training has to be transferrable. And it is a myth that operator certificate details must go onto the publicly available database. As a result, many businesses provide their own ‘in-house’ certificates. These certificates are not backed by RTITB Accreditation.
What does this mean in practice? In the event of an incident there has been no independent verification. You cannot prove that the training delivered has met the HSE Code of Practice requirements.
It is not mandatory, but verification gives regulators confidence. It is also a tried and tested approach. Both for verifying training compliance and measuring learning outcomes. For example, in Apprenticeships End-point Assessment are used. Or for Transport Managers qualifications and Dangerous Goods driver training end assessments are set and marked by an independent examining body.
Non-transferable certificates protect your training investment
RTITB Accreditation helps tackle this issue. RTITB Accredited operator certificates can be ‘non-transferable’. These certificates are clearly marked for use only at a specific business. Or even for a single business site.
This training does not appear on the public RTITB operator database (NORS). The operator can’t get a copy certificate from RTITB without consent from the employer who funded the training.
These certificates still undergo robust quality assurance processes. This gives employers confidence. It also provides independent proof of compliant operator training.
National ‘transferable’ certificates
Do you have a good forklift operator retention rate? Do you want to demonstrate a commitment to your operators? And to their personal development? In this case, you can issue national ‘transferable’ certificates.
Most RTITB accredited employers and training providers will issue national certificates. These certificates are ‘transferable’ when an operator moves roles. Operators retain their qualification. Their operator registration will be available to view on the public RTITB database (NORS). This means their qualification can be checked by their next employer or recruitment agency.
Employers find this helps them show operators they care about their development. It can also be used as an incentive to help retain workers. For example, in some businesses, Forklift operators that have remained in their role for 12 months have their certificate ‘upgraded’ to a transferable qualification. What’s more, this approach can help to raise industry-wide standards.
Unlimited verification for operator training
RTITB accredited partners delivering in-house operator training receive unlimited verification and certification. There are no extra charges for issuing operator training certificates. Whether you train 10, 100, or 1000 people, nothing extra is charged. This applies to all certificate types.
Training Providers also have the option of issuing national or non-transferable certificates. There is also a selection of flexible prices. You can select the pricing option which works best for your business and the number of operators you train. There is also a ‘pay as you go’ option. This is ideal for start-ups as it is priced per course and has no up-front fee.
Accredited partners submit verifications digitally via the MyRTITB TrainingFriend App. It is fast and convenient. Uploads are completed with a single button click. For simplicity, RTITB issues electronic operator certificates that can be received within four hours. They are co-branded with your company logo.
Benefit from RTITB Accreditation now
RTITB Accreditation provides a range of certificate options. This simplifies administration and management. However, there are many benefits to RTITB Accreditation. Discover them here. Or contact our Solutions team today for more details.