Sure, you may live in the Las Vegas area but why roll the dice when it comes to your career? Becoming a certified forklift operator in the Las Vegas Valley offers a practical career path with various routes to becoming certified. This article outlines the options, highlighting two primary approaches: company-sponsored training and independent training. A list of leading training providers is also included.
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Company-Sponsored Training
Many companies in Las Vegas recognize the need for skilled forklift operators and often provide training for new hires. This route is beneficial for those already employed or those who secure a job with a company willing to invest in their training. This type of training is usually specific to the company’s equipment and operational procedures, ensuring that operators are well-prepared for the specific challenges they will face on the job.
Companies might also opt to send their employees to external training programs. These programs, while external, are still paid for by the employer and are typically comprehensive, covering both practical and theoretical aspects of forklift operation.
Keep in mind that certification is not employer-specific. Once you are certified on particular types of forklifts, you take that certification with you to apply at other companies. However, there are always unique hazards associated with any workplace. So if you get a job at a different warehouse, for example, you will still need training regarding nuances of the forklift being used and site hazards such as blind intersections, overhead restrictions, or slippery areas, to name just a few.
Examples of Large Employers Who Would Train Their Own Forklift Operators
Southern Nevada is an increasingly important warehousing hub, and that translates into more forklift opportunities. And the good news is that large distribution centers typically train operators internally. Why southern Nevada? One key reason is location. It is less than 24 hours to more than 40 million consumers and five major U.S. ports serving the Pacific Rim, including Los Angeles, the country’s largest seaport. And it is only 48 hours or less to nearly every state west of the Mississippi River.
Read the news and keep alert to new job opportunities continuing to materialize. For example, Smith’s Food & Drug said in October 2023 it would be looking to fill 200 positions as it prepared to open a distribution center in North Las Vegas in November. The $225M distribution center is being built in North Las Vegas’s Apex Industrial Park and will disburse more than 16,000 grocery items.
Meanwhile, Moen is constructing a 680,314-square-foot facility in North Las Vegas. It will open in 2024 and sit on 74.6 acres of land to provide ample capacity for serving the Western United States and enhancing Moen’s supply chain. According to a company spokesperson, the number of jobs could double by 2030.
Other recent openings included Kroger’s 482,000-square-foot distribution center in Henderson and Sephora’s 715,000-square-foot DC in North Las Vegas. Other notable facilities include Bed Bath & Beyond, CDW, the Honest Company, Fanatics, Amazon and Levi Strauss.
Independent Training
For individuals seeking to become certified forklift operators independently, Las Vegas offers several training providers. These programs are ideal for those looking to enter the workforce with a certification already in hand. Training courses usually include classroom instruction on safety, operations, and regulations, as well as hands-on experience operating a forklift. Upon completion of these courses, participants are typically awarded a certification that is recognized by employers across the industry.
Local Forklift Training Providers in Las Vegas
Here are some local training providers to consider:
Nevada Forklift Training LLC: Provides OSHA-compliant classes for various types of lifts, including forklifts, scissor lifts, and stand-up lifts, and currently offering a 20% local and veteran discount. Ph. (702) 444-1952
OSHA Training Las Vegas: OSHA Training Las Vegas offers a range of certification classes in both English and Spanish. According to the website, it conveniently holds classes primarily on the weekends. Ph. (702) 732-3111
ROI Safety Services: Provides certified on-site forklift training that meets Nevada’s training requirements, including both initial and refresher courses. Ph. (714) 520-1608
In conclusion, whether through in-house company training or independent training providers, becoming a certified forklift operator in Las Vegas is a straightforward process. With Clark County becoming an increasingly important distribution hub, this trend opens doors to a range of opportunities in industries that rely heavily on skilled forklift operators.
Rick LeBlanc is the editor of Reusable Packaging News and the co-author of Pallets A North American Perspective.