Forklift Mechanic Schools and Training Programs

What You Need to Know

While postsecondary training is often not required for you to find a job as a forklift mechanic, it may improve your odds of employment. You can find training through diploma, certificate and associate's degree programs. Much of the training is hands-on, but some programs offer a few courses you may complete online.

What Forklift Mechanic Training Programs Are Available?

Postsecondary education might not be necessary for you if you're aspiring to become a forklift mechanic. High school training, apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities could all prepare you for employment without the need for completing a postsecondary educational program. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities will be better for you in the coming years if you have some formal education (www.bls.gov).

What Are the Formal Education Options?

Certificate, diploma and associate's degree programs in heavy equipment repair can qualify you for positions in the industry. You can complete certificate programs in as little as one year, while diploma and associate's degree programs may take longer to complete, allowing you to specialize in particular areas of repair and possibly engage in internship opportunities.

How Can I Select a School?

As an aspiring forklift mechanic, you might want to look for a program that offers onsite access to forklifts for hands-on training experiences. Internship opportunities could be useful, too, since they allow you to network professionally and gain experience in real-world repair situations.

Learning to repair forklifts is a largely hands-on experience, and you may find it difficult to find distance education programs that will prepare you for this work. However, through select schools, you could find programs that offer courses in the academic study of engines and hydraulics that can be completed through online lectures and exams.

The following schools are among those offering programs that can train students to become forklift mechanics, such as diesel and heavy equipment technology and maintenance programs:

• Dakota County Technical College (Rosemount, MN)
• Delaware Technical Community College (Multiple locations in DE)
• Penn Foster Career School (Scranton, PA, and online)
• Central Lakes College (Staples/Brainerd, MN)
• Alaska Vocational Technical Center (Seward)
• Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh, NC)
• Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI)

What Courses Will I Take?

Through certificate programs, you can take courses in preventative maintenance and welding techniques. You can also learn to inspect, troubleshoot and diagnose problems with forklifts. Certificate, diploma and associate's degree programs in heavy equipment operation typically focus on repair techniques for a wide variety of vehicles. These areas of study may be covered:

• Electronics
• Brake systems
• Fluid systems
• Engine repair
• Fuel systems
• Backhoes
• Bulldozers
• Cranes
• Dump trucks

What About Other Coursework?

Diploma and associate's degree programs commonly expand on the topics covered in typical certificate programs. Associate's degree programs usually include general education courses that could help you advance to a bachelor's degree program. These topics may be explored in your diploma or associate's degree program:

• Advanced electronics
• Hydraulics
• Mechanical systems
• Heating, cooling and ventilation
• Customer relations
• Management techniques