Talent in Logistics puts forklift operators to the test virtually

This year, the UK’s Talent in Logistics Award for Forklift Operator of the Year will be determined by a series of virtual competition finals in September, specially adapted to keep people socially distanced and safe.

The Forklift Operator of the Year award, delivered in partnership with UniCarriers, will be filmed and made available to watch via You Tube and social media to ensure those across the sector still have the opportunity to support their friends, family and colleagues and be part of the event.

“Notoriously, the Forklift Operator of the Year live finals are something of a spectacle and great fun for all involved – competitors and spectators alike,” says Ruth Edwards, business development director for Talent in Logistics. “Although the competition set-up will be slightly different this time around, the events will still retain the same sense of fun and entertainment, as well as of course closely examining the talent and knowledge of operators to identify the best of the best.”

Previously planned as regional heats taking place during the summer of 2020, the virtual competition finals will now take place in Telford, UK, on the 9th, 10th and 11th September. The top 30 competitors from the earlier online testing stage have been invited to participate and will be required to complete four different tests to identify their level of operating skill and knowledge.

The tests for 2020 will be themed around the Olympics, with tasks inspired by basketball, weightlifting, show-jumping, and golf. Competitors will take part in three practical tests, one of which will include operating a forklift with attachment, as well as one classroom-based test of knowledge.

As well as being developed to be motivating and engaging for the forklift operators, all of the tests are designed to adhere to social distancing recommendations, and extra health and hygiene processes will be followed during the competitions for the safety of all involved.  The finalists for the Forklift Operator of the Year award will be announced at the end of the three-day event.

“Forklift operators are a vital asset in an essential economy sector. Their job requires skill, motivation and constant attentiveness,” states Chris Bates, managing director at UniCarriers. “With the Forklift Operator of the Year competition, we want to throw the spotlight on them and thank them for their valuable contribution to the industry.  It’s great that we can still do so virtually.”

During the event, UniCarriers will also present other vehicles during digital demonstrations, including more counterbalance trucks, reach trucks, order pickers and pallet trucks.

Finalists will complete all tests using the UniCarriers TX3 electric counterbalance forklift truck, winner of the International Forklift of the Year (IFOY) 2019 and the Red Dot Award 2018, including one specially equipped with a relevant attachment provided by Abbey Attachments.

The overall winner of the Forklift Operator of the Year will be revealed at the online Talent in Logistics Awards night on 1st October 2020. This unique awards event is free to attend and will enable anyone across the supply chain to find out the winners from all awards categories, as well as participate in a virtual networking event, and join in a celebration of the heroes in the logistics sector.