Upon completion of your training, it can be a little unclear as to whether your licence expires or not, and which additional training you are required to do to remain in work. The simple answer is that your RTITB certificate itself does not expire, and is always valid. However, the confusion may arise as operators are regularly sent for ‘refresher’ training; where they receive a new certificate and card upon completion. This is to ensure you remain on the National Operator Registration Scheme (NORS) database of operators who have taken training within the last 3 years.
As a result of the NORS database, your employer is required to send you for refresher training at least every 3 years. There are some variables, such as truck type, frequency of work and environment, which may mean that refresher training is required more regularly, this can be as a result of…
- A change in the type/class of vehicle that the operator is using
- The employer moves operations to a new site
- Working procedures/policies are changed
- The operatives become disabled; or
- The risks associated with the operation change
So what is the NORS database? Upon completion of any RTITB accredited course the operator’s name is put onto this central record of drivers with up-to-date, accredited training. This database helps employers know when operators have had the required training, knowing that they are employing people with the necessary skills and qualifications for the role. This registration will only last for 3 years, and you will receive a reminder towards the end of this time to book refresher training.
The database also means that operators can access their certificates if they are misplaced or damaged, it speeds up the process of starting work and improves the possibility of access to funded training.
As this database is the industry standard, an up-to-date training course is crucial in order to find work as a Forklift operator. Our Newark training centre offers a broad range of courses, from Novice to Conversion. If you’re looking to get forklift training, or an employer trying to find suitable training for existing staff, our training division can help. Click here for more information and to submit an enquiry to Ambitions Training.