Forklift and Warehouse Training

Are you ready to start a stable and rewarding career in logistics and warehousing in the North East?

The North East’s £40 billion economy is fueling fast growth in logistics. As big distribution hubs grow in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, there’s a strong need for skilled forklift operators who understand modern warehouse systems are in high demand. Our free forklift training North East programme helps you gain the qualifications that top employers like Amazon, Argos, ASOS, and Eddie Stobart want. This is your chance to start a rewarding career with steady hours, room to grow, and starting pay between £23,200 and £26,000.

- Available Across the North East

This NECA-funded forklift training North East is available to residents of Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, and Northumberland. The course mixes online Zoom sessions about warehousing with hands-on RTITB forklift training at a local centre. Whether you’re in Newcastle city centre or anywhere in Northumberland, this flexible programme can fit your schedule.

What makes our forklift training in the North East different?

The free FLT licence advantage: We know the RTITB Forklift Truck Licence is key for warehouse jobs. While other providers charge £1,475 for this training, we include it for free through our NECA partnership. You’ll finish your practical training and RTITB assessment during the 12-week course, so you graduate with your licence and can start work right away.

This matters because logistics hubs in the North East are looking for licensed forklift operators. Employers in Newcastle, Sunderland, and other distribution centres want people who can start right away. Having your licence before you apply gives you an edge over others. You’ll also gain valuable warehouse knowledge, so you can start your new career with confidence.

What you'll learn on this free forklift licence course

Qualification: NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Warehousing and Storage

Licence: RTITB Counterbalance or Reach FLT Licence

You’ll get your RTITB forklift licence, which is valid for three years. This lets you operate counterbalance or reach trucks in warehouses throughout the region.

What you will cover on the course:

Unit 01: Introduction to Warehousing and Storage

You’ll learn about workers’ rights, different types of warehouses, and how modern warehouse management systems work.

Unit 02: Understand How to Receive and Store Goods

You’ll cover how to receive goods, use stock control systems like WMS and barcoding, and follow health and safety rules.

Unit 03: Understand How to Process Orders and Prepare Them for Dispatch

You’ll learn about order picking, packaging standards, and how to get orders ready for dispatch.

Unit 04: Understand How to Check Stock and Update Records

You’ll find out how to check stock, keep inventory accurate, and maintain up-to-date warehouse records.

Unit 05: Customer Service in Warehousing and Storage

You’ll see why customer service matters in logistics and build practical teamwork skills.

Why choose our free forklift licence course in the North East?

Most forklift training costs £1,475 upfront, but our NECA-funded course is free. You don’t need a job to join, and we’ll help you get interviews while you train. The North East logistics sector is growing fast, but there aren’t enough qualified forklift operators. We’re rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and accredited by Matrix, so you can trust our training and support.

"It's now 6 weeks after I have got my licence and I am employed full-time."

It’s now 6 weeks after I have got my licence, and I am employed full-time and I am receiving training from my new employers! It’s great! I love the job and the people who work there have been fantastic.

*– Greg, former learner*

Assessment and Technology

You’ll learn through live Zoom sessions and have access to our Moodle platform any time, day or night. This setup helps people in rural areas with internet issues. Your hands-on forklift training takes place at a local RTITB-registered centre. The course is assessed through tasks; there are no written exams. You’ll build a portfolio to show what you’ve learned about warehouse systems and take the official RTITB practical test to earn your licence.

Career Progression and Earning Potential in the North East

You can grow your logistics career right here in the North East.

Entry-level roles (starting salary: £23,200-£26,000):

Mid-level roles (2-5 years experience, typical salary: £26,000-£32,000):

Senior roles (5+ years experience, typical salary: £32,000-£60,000+):

Your Partners in Success, From Day One to Your New Career.

We’re here to help you build a lasting career in the North East’s warehousing sector. You’ll get full support from two dedicated coaches during your 12-week course.

Our Support Includes:

Find out more from our..

Success Coaches and Learner Support team

Is this NECA-funded forklift and warehouse training a good fit for you?

This free forklift training course is funded by the North East Combined Authority Adult Skills Fund for eligible residents. To join, you need to: To join, you need to:

Forklift & Warehousing Training Course

Key Details

Delivery Method

Online via Zoom and Moodle + Local RTITB test centre

Duration

12 Weeks

Includes

- RTITB Counterbalance or Reach FLT Licence

- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Warehousing and Storage

Are you ready to start your logistics career in the North East?

Join the North East’s growing warehousing sector with free forklift training and a guaranteed path to employment through our NECA partnership.