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N001 Industrial Counterbalance Lift Truck Course

NPORS N001 Industrial Counterbalance Lift Truck Course

Counterbalance forklifts are the workhorse of warehouses and yards. Used well, they keep goods moving and damage down. Our NPORS N001 Counterbalance Lift Truck Course teaches safe, efficient operation in real industrial settings – so people, product and racking stay protected.

What this course covers

We focus on practical skills you’ll use every shift. Less theory, more controlled driving.

Skills you’ll build:

  • Pre-use checks and defect reporting: forks, chains, mast, hydraulics, tyres, alarms and lights.
  • Stability & capacity: load centres, capacity plates, the stability triangle, tilt control and stack height.
  • Manoeuvring in tight spaces: turning circles, end-of-aisle exits, loading bays and confined areas.
  • Stacking & de-stacking: approach, fork positioning, pallet types, racking protection and clear view.
  • Traveling with/without load: gradients, reversing, braking distance and speed discipline.
  • Pedestrian safety: exclusion zones, intersections, horn use and blind-spot control.
  • Power & care: battery charging and changeover (or LPG/diesel basics), charging bay rules and housekeeping.
  • End-of-shift: parking, isolation, keys, and clean handover.

By the end, you’ll handle a counterbalance truck with confidence and keep shifts running smoothly.

Who it’s for

Warehouse and logistics teams, manufacturing sites, builders’ merchants and yard operations. New operators, experienced drivers seeking formal proof of competence, and teams needing a concise refresher.

How training works

Clear briefs, then hands-on driving on realistic layouts. Small groups mean plenty of seat time and immediate feedback from instructors who’ve worked in live industrial environments.

Certification & card routes

On successful completion you’ll receive an NPORS N001 Counterbalance Operator Card. We can issue the NPORS Traditional card or the NPORS/CSCS route for construction sites (Red Trained Operator → Blue Competent Operator) when the standard criteria are met. Cards are typically valid for up to five years.

Entry requirements

Bring photo ID and a good level of English. Wear suitable PPE if we train on your site. No previous tickets are required.

Delivery & locations

We deliver UK-wide, either on your site or at our Wellingborough training centre. Nearby locations include Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Leicester, Coventry, Cambridge, Rugby, Banbury and Aylesbury.

Why choose Construction & Plant Training Services

Practical, straight-to-the-point training led by instructors with real warehouse and yard experience. We offer flexible dates, UK-wide delivery, a zero-cancellation guarantee and a price-match promise – find a cheaper like-for-like course and we’ll match it.

What you gain

  • NPORS N001 Counterbalance Card recognised by UK employers.
  • Safer lifts, fewer incidents and less product damage.
  • Stronger CV and easier compliance during audits.
  • Skills that transfer across logistics, manufacturing and construction supply chains.

Ready to book?

Tell us your preferred date and location. We’ll confirm availability and get your N001 Counterbalance training scheduled.

NPORS N001 Counterbalance – FAQs

What is the NPORS N001 Counterbalance course?

Hands-on forklift training for industrial counterbalance trucks. You learn safe manoeuvring, stacking and daily checks in real work layouts.

Who is it for?

New operators, experienced drivers who need formal proof of competence, and teams booking a concise refresher.

Do I need experience first?

No. We can start from scratch. If you already drive, we tailor the session to your level.

Is NPORS recognised by employers?

Yes. NPORS is widely accepted across warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and construction supply chains.

What truck types are covered?

Standard counterbalance FLTs – electric, LPG or diesel. We match training to the power type you use.

What will I learn in practice?

Pre-use inspections, stability and load centres, capacity plates, tight-space driving, safe racking work, travelling with/without a load, pedestrian separation and neat end-of-shift shutdown.

Do you cover batteries and charging?

Yes. Safe charging, changeover, charging-bay rules and housekeeping. For LPG/diesel we cover safe refuelling and isolation.

How long is the NPORS card valid?

On completion you receive an NPORS N001 Counterbalance Operator Card. Cards are typically valid for up to five years. NPORS/CSCS routes are available where required.

What are the entry requirements?

Photo ID and a good level of English. Wear suitable PPE if we train on your site.

Where do you run training?

UK-wide, on your site or at our Wellingborough training centre. Nearby areas: Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Leicester, Coventry, Cambridge, Rugby, Banbury and Aylesbury.

Can you train whole teams on-site?

Absolutely. On-site forklift training lets your staff practise in your aisles, loading bays and procedures.

How many people per group?

Small groups only, so everyone gets seat time and clear feedback.

Is there a test?

Yes – a practical drive and a short knowledge check to confirm safe operation and racking work.

Do I need a car driving licence?

No. This course is about operating the forklift on site, not driving on public roads.

What’s the difference between counterbalance and reach?

Counterbalance is front-loading and works in wider aisles. Reach is designed for narrower aisles and deeper racking. We deliver both.

Can my employer claim a grant?

If you’re CITB-registered, funding may apply. We’ll guide you through the claim.

How much does it cost?

It depends on location and group size. We keep rates low and match any cheaper like-for-like quote.

How do I book?

Send us your preferred date and location. We’ll confirm availability and lock your N001 course in.


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