Tips for booking telescopic handler training

Tips for Booking Telescopic Handler Training

The CPCS Telehandler category is one of the most popular categories within the CPCS scheme and provides, through practical and theory training, the experience that will enable the candidate to competently and safely operate the Telescopic Telehandler plant machinery and pass the CPCS

Theory and Practical Tests.

Knowing which telehandler training course to do can save you a lot of time and money and will make the booking process a lot easier. There are courses for different levels of experience and for different types of tele handler machine. It is also important to understand the requirements that you must meet to sit the course.

Tip 1: Have a CSCS TST in date

Before completing any CPCS telehandler training course, you must have a Construction Skills Competency Scheme Touch Screen Test (CSCS TST) that has been completed in the last two years. This is very easy to do as there are numerous locations to sit this throughout the UK, the test is short and should cost no more than £25.00. 

A lot of candidates think that because the TST is valid for five years in relation to gaining access to site, they then have 5 years in which to use this for subsequent CPCS training courses. This is not the case.

One of the quirks of the CPCS scheme is that your CSCS TST cannot be older than two years. Don’t get caught out on this as you cannot take your CPCS theory of practical test without it. If your test was taken more than 2 years ago, you will need to resit this before applying for any other CPCS course.

Tip 2: Be realistic about your level of experience 

One of the most important things when booking a telescopic handler training course is that you are realistic about the amount of experience you have, as well as the level of your confidence operating machinery on site. This is because the courses offered are graduated in terms of experience, with those candidates who have less experience being advised to take courses with both practical and theory preparation before the final testing.

There are two different Cards you can work towards, based on your level of experience. These are the Red and Blue cards.

Red CPCS Cards 

If you have never sat a CPCS course in this category or are not undertaking the NVQ then you will need to work towards a Red card initially.

You can either choose from a Novice red card course or an Experienced Worker red card course. The key difference between them is the amount of practical training on the telehandler they provide.

Those who have limited experience (less than 2 years) should look to a Novice course, whereas candidates with some experience (over 2 years), but in need of some theory preparation should do an Experienced Worker Red card course as this includes theory training but less time spent on practical work.

Red cards are valid for two years and candidates are expected to move onto the Blue card in this time. Red cards cannot be renewed. 

Blue CPCS Cards 

Blue card courses are suitable for experienced workers who already hold a Red card in this category (less than 2 years old) or are working towards their NVQ in Plant Operations. Candidates need to have at least two years’experience in this category before they can complete a Blue card telehandler courses as it contains no practical or theory training.

It comprises of an NVQ assessment which can take up to nine months to complete. 

Tip 3: Understand the Endorsement Categories Available

Another aspect you need to be aware of when booking telehandler training is that there are three different endorsement categories available.That means there is three different types of telehandler training you can do.

These are:

• Endorsement A: Industrial Telescopic
• Endorsement B: Telescopic up to 9 metres
• Endorsement C: All sizes excluding 360 slew

Knowing which category you need to be qualified in can make all the difference in the booking process, so it is strongly advised that you research this with your employer beforehand. 

Tip 4: Book online 

The last and most important tip when booking telescopic handler training is that you can save yourself money by booking online.This is because online service providers can quickly compare costs, locations and the availability of courses, meaning that you can be sure of the best deal.

Please note that Telehandler training is classed as “on site” category,which means that you will need to travel to a set location instead of the trainer coming to you. In this way, booking online can also take the hassle of ringing round to find the nearest centre that offers the training you need.

Tip 5: Understand the Course Content 

The content covered in the CPCS Telehandler course includes:

• Operating the Telehandler on all normal tasks for which it is designed
• Deciding whether a particular load is safe to lift
• Training on carrying out routine servicing procedures and maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• Carry out minor adjustments and routine servicing procedure
• Preparing and driving the machine on public highways, and loading in onto a transporter in accordance with the requirements of the Road Traffic Acts
• The purpose and capabilities of the machine and any relevant safety precautions necessary for its operation
• Telehandler Training on how the machine works and the maintenance requirements involved
• The effect of load, size, weight, gradients and ground conditions upon machine stability
• The loading, storage and transit of representative materials
• The basis construction of pallets
• The permitted loading of scaffolds

Duration of Training:
The duration of training will depend on the level of experience of the candidate. Foundation Training courses are typically 4 or 5 days in duration including the testing and experienced worker courses are typically 1-day training + 1-day testing

Test:
To achieve the Red CPCS Trained Operator Card candidates must pass both the CPCS Theory Test and the Practical Test.