Forklift operators are consistently among the most requested roles from our clients, and certified operators earn several dollars an hour more than general labourers. Here is how certification works in Ontario.
The main licence types
- Counterbalance — the classic sit-down forklift, used in most warehouses and manufacturing plants.
- Reach truck — stand-up trucks for narrow aisles and high racking, common in distribution centres.
- Walkie / pallet truck — electric walk-behind units; the fastest certification to earn.
- Order picker — elevated picking in racking, often paired with a fall-arrest requirement.
What training involves
Ontario employers must ensure operators are competent under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Training combines a theory session (safety rules, load limits, stability triangle) with a practical evaluation on the truck. Most programs take one day per equipment class.
What it costs and how long it lasts
Expect roughly $150-$300 per class through a private trainer, and plan to re-certify every three years. Many employers — and agencies — cover certification for reliable workers rather than lose them.
The faster route
Register with an agency that trains. When our clients need certified operators, we would rather certify a dependable general labourer already in our pool than leave a line down. Tell your recruiter you want forklift work — that ambition costs nothing and gets remembered.