Forklift truck engineers are in high demand and engineering apprenticeships are an ideal route for youngsters seeking a rewarding career choice – that's the message from the industry's two trade organisations, the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), who have issued a joint statement today (8 December) to clarify the apprenticeship routes offered in this sector.

BITA and FLTA say they recognise the importance of attracting fresh talent to the industry at a time when many engineers are approaching retirement age. Also, with a number of government initiatives available there has never been a better time for an employer to take on an apprentice, they say.

Both organisations have steered initiatives to develop forklift truck engineering options to suit the businesses that need to maintain forklift trucks and the individuals that choose this route for learning.

The apprenticeships are delivered as Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (Lift Truck) qualifications, within the lift truck pathway of the IMI's Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (England) Apprenticeship Framework.

Details on apprenticeships led by both organisations can be found via the weblinks below.