Entry deadline extended for RTITB International Forklift Operator of the Year Competition

Due to overwhelming demand, RTITB is extending the entry deadline for the International Forklift Operator of the Year 2016 competition until 5th August, giving employers more time to enter their operators into this prestigious, global competition. 

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The popular competition sponsored by Unicarrier, McCue and Pyroban and supported by charity partner Transaid, which takes place every three years, aims to find the safest and most skilled forklift drivers from around the world and reward their dedication to safe operation. To enter any number of their forklift operators, employers can simply purchase entry codes which allow drivers to go online and complete the first phase of testing.  Rather than closing on 1st July, employers and drivers now have until 5th August to enter the competition and complete the initial online test.

“Since entries opened in April, lots of employers from around the world have already entered their forklift operators in the competition,” explains Laura Nelson, Managing Director of RTITB, the preferred regulatory body for workplace transport training.  “However, as the closing date approached we were getting such high demand from companies for entry packs, we wanted to give employers as much time as possible to get their drivers involved and ensure that nobody misses out on this unique opportunity.”

The first phase of the competition, open to anyone trained on a counterbalance truck in the last five years, is an online test which covers practical skills, underpinning knowledge, attitude, pre-use inspection knowledge and efficiency skills. This not only gives skilled, safe drivers the chance to qualify for the next phase of the competition but, with access to free tailored feedback reports on every entrant, also gives employers a unique opportunity to gain a valuable insight into the efficiency and safety of their materials handling operation.

“We introduced this detailed report so that employers can see their drivers’ strengths and weaknesses, which in turn can help businesses to reduce risk and take steps to improve and target training, focussing on the specific issues that have been identified,” says Laura. “It is also valuable in helping drivers to see where they might have room to improve and develop their skills further.”

When testing closes, a benchmarking report will also be available. With forklift drivers entering the competition from all over the world, this gives employers a unique chance to see how their drivers measure up to their international peers.

After the online testing stage is complete, the 40 top scoring entrants will be invited to participate in a series of action-packed heats for the second phase of the competition, testing sponsored by Pyroban, Transaid and B&B Attachment. Taking place in front of an international audience at IMHX 2016 in Birmingham from 13th – 16th September, competing drivers will complete a theory test, a pre-shift test and two practical driving tests, all specially designed to assess the different skills and knowledge needed for safe, efficient forklift operation. 

Tests at both the IMHX and Grand Final are being individually sponsored, designed and branded based on the organisation. There are just a few tests remaining to sponsor if you would like to express an interest please email Amy Southall on opofyear@rtitb.co.uk.

The 10 best competitors from the IMHX heats will then qualify for the Grand Final of the competition. Taking place in the West Midlands, forklift drivers will compete in a series of live operating challenges in a bid to be crowned International Forklift Operator of the Year at the RTITB material handling equipment operations and training awards. Other awards announced on this prestigious evening include Material Handling Equipment Operations Employer of the Year and Trainer of the Year. If you would be interested in entering the awards, please visit www.opofyear.com/enter-3/how-to-enter-the-awards/. 

“This competition celebrates the talent and contribution of forklift drivers across the world while promoting efficiency, accuracy and the importance of safe operation,” says Laura. “With the title considered a great accolade in the sector, reaching the finals brings recognition not only for the driver, but also for the employer, demonstrating a commitment to training and excellence in materials handling.”