Introduction:
In the 1960s, the United Kingdom found itself grappling with a lack of skilled workers and a struggling economy. The government’s response was the 1964 Industrial Training Act, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the creation of Industrial Training Boards and the birth of an entirely new industry – Fork Truck Training. In this blog post, we delve into the remarkable journey of John (Dai) Carter, the founding member of this industry, and the development of training standards that continue to shape workplace safety over half a century later.

The Birth of Industrial Training Boards:
The government’s realization that inadequate training was hindering progress led to the implementation of the Industrial Training Act. Under the leadership of Labour MP Barbara Castle, 27 Industrial Training Boards were established. These boards were tasked with creating training standards for various industries, ensuring that employers provided their workers with quality training to meet the standards set by their respective boards.

Entrusting Forklift Training to RTITB:
Forklift trucks, ubiquitous in various industries, required specialized training. The responsibility for creating training standards for forklift operator and instructor training was entrusted to the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB), a decision that would shape the future of workplace safety.

Gerry Fortnam, a Divisional Manager at RTITB, took charge despite having little knowledge of forklift trucks. With a team of assessors, he embarked on the task of understanding existing training practices and building a model training facility at MOTEC (Multi Occupational Training & Education Centre), later renamed CENTREX.

Enter John (Dai) Carter:
John Carter, an instrumental figure in the creation of forklift training standards, joined RTITB in 1968. His journey began with the daunting task of developing training standards for reach and counterbalance forklift trucks. This process involved collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Industrial Training Research Unit (ITRU) at Cambridge University.

The Five-Day Training Course and Unexpected Challenges:
As John worked on a comprehensive 10-day training course, he encountered an unexpected challenge. The Ministry of Labour’s maximum grant for training operators was limited to five days, leading to the need for a revised syllabus. Despite setbacks, John persevered, rewriting the course and ensuring that employers could maximize the available grant.

Ike Pruden’s Arrival and Unforeseen Dynamics:
The arrival of Ike Pruden, a senior instructor with a background in Liverpool’s dock industry, added an unexpected twist. Initially seen as a potential source of disruption, Ike’s expertise in employment law proved invaluable. His role as a Senior Shop Steward and knowledge of the industry dynamics made him an essential contributor to the team.

Confronting Factory Inspectors and Advocating for Training:
The Standards Committee, comprised of senior factory inspectors, highlighted the alarming number of fatal accidents involving forklift trucks. They faced resistance from manufacturers who insisted on the safety of their methods. John Carter, armed with insights from his experience, attempted to bridge the gap between the inspectors and the industry, advocating for the necessity of forklift training.

Conclusion:
John (Dai) Carter’s journey from rewriting training standards to navigating complex industry dynamics showcases the birth of forklift operator training in the UK. His efforts, alongside the contributions of colleagues like Ike Pruden and collaborations with academic institutions, laid the groundwork for the industry’s future. Today, the forklift training standards created during this era continue to shape workplace safety, leaving a lasting legacy that goes beyond the pages of this remarkable history.

Evolution of Forklift Operator Training in the UK: A Journey Back in Time

Introduction:
The forklift operator training industry in the United Kingdom has a rich history, and much of its foundation can be traced back to the 1960s. In this blog post, we will explore the pioneering efforts of John (Dai) Carter, the man behind the creation of training standards and syllabi that still shape the industry today.

The Birth of Industrial Training:
In the 1960s, the UK government recognized a severe lack of training across various industries, impacting the nation’s economy. This realization led to the introduction of the 1964 Industrial Training Act, compelling employers with five or more employees to contribute to an Industrial Training Board (ITB). These boards were tasked with setting industry-specific training standards and approving training programs.

The Road Transport Industry Takes Charge:
Responsibility for forklift operator and instructor training standards fell into the hands of the Road Transport Industry Training Board (RTITB). However, the challenge was that the board had little knowledge about forklift trucks. Gerry Fortnam, a Divisional Manager, took charge of this responsibility despite his limited background in forklifts.

The Creation of Training Standards:
John (Dai) Carter entered the scene when he applied for a position as a Fork Truck Operator and Instructor training instructor. His journey began with an assignment to develop a training standard for Reach and Counterbalance forklifts. Despite initial uncertainties, he embraced the challenge.

Involvement of Coventry Climax and the Challenges Faced:
Coventry Climax, a forklift manufacturing factory, played a crucial role in this journey. Carter and his colleague spent a week there, gaining insights into the industry’s challenges. The factory’s outdated machinery and procedures highlighted the need for modernization in the forklift manufacturing sector.

The Training Centre at MOTEC:
The story progresses to the establishment of the Multi Occupational Training & Education Centre (MOTEC) in Shropshire. This state-of-the-art training center became the hub for forklift and furniture removals training, offering a wide range of courses.

The First 10-Day Instructor Course:
As the demand for forklift instructors grew, Carter found himself preparing for the first 10-day instructor course. With limited time and resources, he worked tirelessly, creating an entirely new course during the Christmas break. The course covered operator training and the methods of instruction.

Challenges and Triumphs:
The journey was not without challenges, including resistance from employers and trade unions. The introduction of a new method of load handling, referred to as handbrake snatching, faced skepticism from factory inspectors. Despite these challenges, Carter and his team persisted in their mission to establish comprehensive forklift training standards.

Conclusion:
John (Dai) Carter’s journey as the founder of forklift operator training in the UK reflects dedication, innovation, and perseverance. The industry’s evolution from the 1960s to the present day has been shaped by the pioneering efforts of individuals like Carter, who left a lasting impact on forklift training standards and safety in the UK logistics industry.

Pioneering Forklift Training: The Birth of Train-a-Lift and the Famous ‘Red’ Book

Introduction:
In the annals of forklift operator training, few stories are as fascinating and influential as the inception of Train-a-Lift, the first commercial training company. This blog post delves into the history of how Train-a-Lift came to be and the pivotal role it played in shaping forklift training standards, including the creation of the iconic “Red” Book.

The Genesis of Train-a-Lift:
The story begins with Jim Brown, a Coventry Climax manufacturer’s demonstrator. Inspired by the evolving landscape of forklift training, Brown took a bold step. Following his participation in a forklift instructor course, he resigned from Coventry Climax and, along with his wife, founded Train-a-Lift in Coventry. This marked the birth of the first independent commercial training organization dedicated to forklift operation.

Navigating Regulatory Requirements:
Train-a-Lift’s establishment wasn’t without challenges. The 1964 Industrial Training Act mandated that employers claiming grants for training must adhere to specific regulations. As Train-a-Lift began its journey, it became imperative to educate instructors about the Act, the RTITB’s statutory position, and the approval process for training centers and courses.

Innovative Training Approaches:
The forklift instructor course at Train-a-Lift included unique elements, such as a keystone telebinocular eyesight test, speed of reaction and depth perception tests, and a trainability assessment. Despite initial resistance from manufacturer demonstrators, particularly regarding the “Handbrake Snatching” technique, the course proved successful.

The Famous “Red” Book:
As the forklift training industry gained attention, MOTEC, the Multi Occupational Training & Education Centre, became a focal point. Amid media scrutiny, Train-a-Lift’s 10-day instructor course gained approval. However, an unexpected task awaited – developing a standard for the selection and basic training of forklift operators. In a whirlwind, the now-famous “Red” Book was created, containing guidelines and a practical test. This marked a defining moment in forklift operator training standards.

Challenges, Controversies, and Bridging Courses:
The introduction of the “Red” Book stirred controversy among truck manufacturers and industry associations. Meetings were held in secrecy to address concerns, and despite promises of a bridging course to transition to the Manufacturers’ method, it never materialized. The accidental creation of a comprehensive standard for training and testing endured the test of time, still in use over half a century later.

FTT: Fork Truck Training at Lansing Bagnal:
Amid increasing bureaucracy, key figures, including the Training Manager, faced challenges. The transition led to the formation of Fork Truck Training (FTT) under Lansing Bagnal. The CEO, a former RTITB instructor, navigated the approval process for a diverse range of training courses, leading to a successful business venture.

Conclusion:
The evolution of forklift training in the UK, marked by Train-a-Lift and the creation of the “Red” Book, reflects a journey of innovation, challenges, and enduring standards. Train-a-Lift’s pioneering spirit and the unintentional legacy of the “Red” Book continue to shape the forklift training landscape, reminding us of the industry’s dynamic and impactful history.

Evolution and Challenges: The Forklift Training Industry (1979 and Beyond)

Introduction:
As we venture into the late 1970s and beyond, the forklift training industry undergoes significant changes. The story, narrated by John Carter, sheds light on the competition, regulatory shifts, and the establishment of an independent approval body, ITSSAR. This continuation explores the industry’s resilience and the personal challenges faced by its key figures.

Competitors and Changing Dynamics:
With the forklift training industry flourishing, competitors sought approval to offer similar services. The RTITB responded by establishing group training centers across the UK. However, this move faced criticism as these centers lacked the infrastructure for practical training, leaving those with dedicated facilities disgruntled.

The Birth of the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP):
In the early 1970s, John Carter and Tony Sellick, then in charge of training at Yale Fork Lift Trucks, were invited to join the HSE’s Joint Committee. Their collaboration aimed to formulate an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for forklift training. However, the final outcome fell short of their expectations due to considerable dilution by the Health & Safety Commission.

Industrial Training Boards Dissolution:
As 1979 dawned, the government decided to dissolve all Industrial Training Boards. Directors were offered the chance to purchase their respective businesses. The RTITB, among those accepting the offer, continued its approval system voluntarily, introducing charges. This marked a significant shift in the industry’s governance.

Tensions and Policy Changes:
The industry experienced a period of tension as the RTITB underwent managerial changes. A new manager’s decisions, including standardizing safety posters, sparked discontent among commercial trainers. John Carter, expressing his displeasure, highlighted the potential consequences of such actions, fostering an environment of mistrust.

The Formation of AITT and ITSSAR:
In response to perceived threats and concerns, commercial trainers convened, leading to the formation of the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT). This collective voice aimed to address the challenges posed by the changing policies of the RTITB. Subsequently, a committee chaired by John Carter birthed ITSSAR (Independent Training Standards Scheme and Register).

ITSSAR’s Inception and Success:
ITSSAR emerged as a fully independent approval scheme, free from the conflicts arising from running training courses. With John Carter’s assistance and support from industry figures like George Coates and BITA, ITSSAR thrived. A dynamic administrator, Linda, played a crucial role, and the new scheme gained momentum.

Personal Struggles and Conclusion:
John Carter’s involvement faced personal challenges, including a falling out with Linde’s Chairman and subsequent health issues. Despite a stressful period, he chose to prioritize recovery over legal action. As John’s narrative reaches its current conclusion, it’s evident that the forklift training industry has weathered storms, adapted to changes, and maintained a commitment to high standards through independent bodies like ITSSAR.