SkillsFuture is one of the skills upgrading schemes announced by the Singapore government in 2015 and it aims to develop the full potential of Singaporeans by supporting their efforts in attaining mastery of skills. According to Deputy Prime Minister Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, this is part of Singapore’s efforts to become a meritocracy of skills.
As such, in their respective SkillsFuture Credit accounts, all Singaporeans aged 25 and above would have received an opening credit of S$500 as of January 2016. This credit will not expire and there will even be periodic top-ups for citizens to accumulate their credit. The credit can be used for a range of Government-supported courses to hone skills that have been identified as critical skills to develop for the next stage of Singapore’s economy.
Value of a Forklift Driver License
A forklift driver license is valuable to several industries – logistics, manufacturing, engineering, construction etc. With a forklift, the productivity of several processes in the warehouse can be enhanced with efficient transportation of bulky goods. Becoming a certified forklift driver will undoubtedly enhance an individual’s employability and value to his company. Of course, acquiring the skills to operate a forklift is just the beginning. Ultimately, it takes care, attention and experience to ensure the safety of the forklift driver and his colleagues.
When employees are equipped with a forklift driver license, many workplace accidents involving forklifts can be prevented. With fewer accidents, the overall productivity of the corporation will be strengthened.
Workplace safety has always been one of the biggest priorities of our government. As such, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSHC) has developed and facilitated a new Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) “Operate Forklift” Competency Standard as of 1 October 2009.
Forklift Courses Training Providers
1. Institute of Technical Education (ITE)
The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) was first established in 1992 as a post-secondary institution. ITE has a vision to be a trailblazer in career and technical education and a mission to create opportunities for students and adult learners to acquire skills, knowledge and values for employability and lifelong learning.
ITE offers a wide range of courses for school leavers and working adults and always seeks to provide their graduates with a good job and career advancement.
Courses Provided
- WSQ Forklift Driver’s Training Course – S$520 (inclusive of 7% GST)
Entry Requirements
- Possess basic competency in English Language as the courses are conducted in English
- Advantageous to have some work experience in the logistics related industry
- Be in good health and not suffering from deafness, defective eyesight or any infirmity, which would render them unfit for the course
- Be 18 years and above
- Be certified medically fit to attend the course by a doctor for those aged 60 years and above
Course Content
- Preparation to carry out forklift operations
- Inspection of the forklift
- Carrying out forklift operations
- Reinstating and handing over forklifts
Assessment to Pass
- End-of-course assessment
Certification
- A Statement of Attainment (SOA) will be issued
Funding
- Course funding can be obtained from the Skills Development Fund (SDF)
- Absentee payroll also applies.
- Self-sponsored Singaporeans are also eligible for a training allowance at $4.50 per training hour under the enhanced Workfare Training Support (WTS) Scheme, if they:
- Fulfill 100% attendance
- Attend and pass all assessments
- Are employed in a relevant vocation
(Funding is only applicable when participants pass the assessment and fulfill 100% attendance)
2. UMW Equipment & Engineering Pte Ltd
UMW Equipment & Engineering Pte Ltd was established in 1976 and it is the exclusive authorised distributor for Toyota Industrial Equipment, Komatsu Heavy Equipment and many other esteemed brands in Singapore. UMW became an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) authorised by the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore in 2001 to conduct Forklift Driver’s Training Courses.
UMW Equipment & Engineering Pte Ltd is the best forklift seller and rental company in Singapore and it can certainly also be trusted to provide the necessary and relevant training since it is so in touch with the related industries.
Courses Provided
- WSQ – Operate Forklift Module 1 (without Class 3 driving licence)
- WSQ – Operate Forklift Module 2 (with Class 3 driving licence)
Entry Requirements
- Relevant personnel who require the use of a forklift on the job
Course Content
- Correct and safe operation and handling of the forklift
- Basic pre-operational and post checks
- Forklift Safety Triangle
- Load chart
- Hands-on handling experience on forklift operation
Assessment to Pass
- Oral Questioning (OQ)
- Simulation (Sim)
Certification
- A Statement of Attainment (SOA) issued by Singapore Development Agency (WDA) under the Singapore Workforce Qualifications (WSQ) Framework
Funding
- Course funding can be obtained from the Skills Development Fund (SDF)
- Absentee payroll can also be funded
3. UBTS Pte Ltd
UBTS Pte Ltd is an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) with a vision to have safe workplaces in Singapore by building capabilities of workmen through learning and development and a mission to provide their learners with quality learning services that caters to their individual needs and requirements.
UBTS Pte Ltd has a highly qualifed team which consists of staff with industrial experience and the institution is highly raved, with several awards and achievements like Singapore’s Outstanding Enterprise, under its belt.
Courses Provided
- Forklift Course (2.5 days) – Cost: S$ 280 (inclusive of 7% GST)
- Forklift Course (3.5 days) – Cost: S$ 520 (inclusive of 7% GST)
Entry Requirements
- Singapore Citizen, Singapore PR, Work Permit/ Pass Holders
- At least 21 years old (above 60 years old must be certified to be medically fit to attend training course)
- Employability Skills System (ESS) Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) Level 3 and above, or equivalent
- Ability to read and understand manufacturer’s instructions, procedures and safety signs
- Have a good sense of situational awareness and safety consciousness
Course Content
Theory
- Types of forklifts and their load capacities
- Parts of forklift and their functions
- Prepare to carry out forklift operation
- Inspect forklift
- Carry out forklift operations
- Reinstate and hand over forklift
Practical
- Demonstration by Trainer
- Practice by Learners
- Revision of safety proced
Assessment to Pass
- Theory test
- Practical test
Certification
- Safety Pass awarded by UBTS PTE LTD and a Statement of Attainment (SOA) under the Singapore Workforce Qualifications (WSQ) Framework
Funding
- Course funding can be obtained from the Skills Development Fund (SDF)
- Workforce Training Support (WTS) funding applicable for trainees who are 35 years old and above with a monthly income of $1,900 and below
4. NTUC Learning Hub
NTUC Learning Hub has long been devoted to the business of Continuing Education and Training (CET) with a vision to transform the lifelong employability of the workforce and a mission to be a leader in CET by providing
providing learning that transforms employability and creates a better life for working people of all collars, ages and nationalities.
NTUC Learning Hub boasts of a team of trainers who are all industry experts and are experienced in training individuals and corporations alike. Their trainers will be able to render customised training with timely guidance. NTUC Learning Hub has a track record of offering quality training courses that help them achieve their mission.
Courses Provided
- WSQ Operate Forklift Course (3 days) – S$ 406.60 (inclusive of 7% GST)
- For participants with a class 3 driving license
- WSQ Operate Forklift (5 days) – S$ 620.60 (inclusive of 7% GST)
- For participants without a class 3 driving license
Entry Requirements
- Above 18 years of age
- Safety shoes and proper attire (no singlet/ shorts/ bermudas) are COMPULSORY
- 100% attendance
Course Content
- Preparation to carry out forklift operations
- Inspection of the forklift
- Carrying out forklift operations
- Reinstating and handing over forklifts
Assessment to Pass
- 30-minutes written test
- 45-minutes practical test
Certification
- A Safety Pass from NTUC LearningHub and Statement of Attainment (SOA) from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA)
Funding
- Course funding can be obtained from the Skills Development Fund (SDF)
- Workforce Training Support (WTS) funding applicable for trainees who are 35 years old and above with a monthly income of $1,900 and below
- Absentee payroll also applies.
- NTUC members enjoy Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) benefit of up to $250 each year
(Funding is only applicable when participants pass the assessment and fulfill at least 75% attendance)
5. AAT Training Hub Pte Ltd
AAT Training Hub was established since 2005, with a vision to maintain high safety standards through accredited training procedures and the application of knowledge. The committed trainers at AAT Training Hub conduct training courses during the weekdays and weekends. They have successfully trained over 15,000 participants in handling the forklift safely.
Major government agencies such as WDA, MOM, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) as well as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have given AAT Training Hub accreditation.
Courses Provided
- WSQ Operate Forklift with Class 3 Driving Licence (Weekdays, 3 days) – S$ 350 (inclusive of 7% GST)
- WSQ Operate Forklift without Class 3 Driving Licence (Weekdays, 4 days) – S$ 530 (inclusive of 7% GST)
- WSQ Operate Forklift with Class 3 Driving Licence (Sundays, 3 days) – S$ 350 (inclusive of 7% GST)
- WSQ Operate Forklift without Class 3 Driving Licence (Sundays, 4 days) – S$ 530 (inclusive of 7% GST)
Entry Requirements
- Trainees above a certain age group require a medical certificate of physical fitness
Course Content
- Operating a Forklift
- Inspecting a Forklift
- Preparation of Forklift before Operating
- Reinstatement and Handing Over of Forklift
Assessment to Pass
- Theory test
- Practical test
Certification
- A Statement of Attainment (SOA) issued by Singapore Development Agency (WDA) under the Singapore Workforce Qualifications (WSQ) Framework
Funding
- Skills Connect
6. Tat Hong Training Services Pte Ltd
Tat Hong Training Services Ptd Ltd was established in 1999 with a mission to provide training to improve the respective trade skills and safety standards for the Construction, Marine, Petrochemical Industries specifically.
Its Training Centre has more than 30 qualified trainers, all equipped with a wealth of industrial experience. In addition, all of them have attained the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) awarded by the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore (MOM) & Workforce Development Agency, Singapore (WDA).
Conveniently located near to Choa Chu Kang / Kranji MRT Station, the training centre has 12 air-conditioned classrooms and a 42,000-sq feet training site. Nonetheless, in-house courses where training is conducted at the client’s work sitee can be arranged. Tat Hong Training Centre has successfully trained more than 120,000 trainees for the various Industries.
Courses Provided
- WSQ-Forklift Driver’s Training Course (without class 3 driving license) – S$572.45 (inclusive of 7% GST)
- WSQ-Forklift Driver’s Training Course (with class 3 driving license) – S$342.40 (inclusive of 7% GST)
Entry Requirements
- At least 18 years of age
- Singaporeans, Permanent Residents or Holders of valid employment pass / work permit
- Able to read and write simple English
- Must be physically and mentally fit for the training, without any handicaps (Participants 60 years and above must produce a medical certificate of
physical fitness)
Course Content
Students will be taught how to operate the forklift in various environmental conditions and it covers the following Competency Elements (CE):
- CE 1 – Prepare to Carry Out Forklift Operations
- CE2 – Inspect Forklift
- CE3 – Carrying Out Forklift Operations
- CE4 – Reinstate and Handover Forklift
Assessment to Pass
- Theory test
- Practical test
Certification
- A Statement of Attainment (SOA) will be awarded under the Singapore Workforce Qualifications (WSQ) Framework
Funding
- Course funding can be obtained from the Skills Development Fund (SDF)
- Absentee payroll can be funded through the Skills Redevelopment Fund (SRP)
7. Wong Fong Academy Pte Ltd
Wong Fong Academy is an educational institute in the Continuing Education and Training (CET) sector and it is committed to providing quality skills training across all industrial sectors in Singapore. It has a vision to lead the future of learning in Singapore’s CET sector and a mission to create learning possibilities through technology and innovation.
Wong Fong Academy has a team of trainers with vast experience in their relevant fields. The courses designed are also kept current and relevant through close, constant contact with the regulatory bodies.
The parent company of Wong Fong Academy Pte Ltd, Wong Fong Engineering, has an excellent track record within Singapore and it is now a regional provider of integrated engineering, waste handling and load management solutions owing to its excellent team, customer service, quality of product and business model. We can expect Wong Fong Academy Pte Ltd to deliver the same quality of service.
Courses Provided
- WSQ-Operate Forklift WITHOUT Class 3 license – S$ 535 (inclusive of 7% GST)
- WSQ-Operate Forklift WITH Class 3 license – S$ 321 (inclusive of 7% GST)
Entry Requirements
- Possess basic competency in English or Chinese
- Completed registration form
- Copy of NRIC or valid passes (for foreigners)
- Medical memo or report (for participants 60 years and above)
Course Content
- Course is structured such that 1 day will be spent on theory and 4 days will be spent on practical training, with an assessment at the end of the 5th day. For participants with a class 3 licence, only 2 days will be spent on practical training, with an assessment on the 3rd day. The theory and practical lessons are held separately. The assessment is based on a running circuit with various sections to test the competencies of the forklift operator.
Assessment to Pass
- Assessment based on a running circuit
Certification
- A photo pass and a Statement Of Attainment from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA)
Funding
- SkillsFuture Funding
