- If you’re interested in this program and you live within our service area, fill out our application form then follow the prompts to schedule a virtual appointment.
- If you’re unable to reserve a virtual appointment or would rather meet with one of our team members in person to begin your application process, we also accept walk-ins at all of our career centers.
Forklift Training
Goodwill’s free Forklift training course helps participants quickly gain the skills and certifications they need to operate a forklift in a professional setting. Our Forklift training course – which we offer at both the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center in Charlotte and our Gastonia Career Center – provides OSHA and NIOSH training definitions, and instruction in lift truck design, vehicle safety inspection, moving with and without a load, and picking and stacking a load. Special conditions involving trailers, ramps, elevators and pedestrian safety are also addressed. Goodwill’s Forklift training course utilizes training videos, a participant workbook and standardized testing. The course includes first-hand driving, lifting and stacking practice, and a final driving test.
2023 Training Dates
| Course Date | Location |
| March 28 | Gastonia |
| April 11 | Charlotte |
| April 25 | Gastonia |
| May 9 | Charlotte |
| May 23 | Gastonia |
| June 13 | Charlotte |
| June 27 | Gastonia |
| July 11 | Charlotte |
| July 25 | Gastonia |
| August 8 | Charlotte |
| August 22 | Gastonia |
| September 12 | Charlotte |
| September 26 | Gastonia |
| October 10 | Charlotte |
| October 24 | Gastonia |
| November 14 | Charlotte |
Course Timeframe
Goodwill’s Forklift training course lasts one day, in which class meets from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Certification Opportunities
If you successfully complete Goodwill’s free Forklift training course, you will receive a renewable NC General Industry Forklift certification (good for 3 years).
Related Career Information
To find out more information about potential careers, trends, wages and benefits for those that complete this course, visit www.onetonline.org.
Launch Your Career
As a participant in one of Goodwill’s intensive training programs, you will be paired with a Career Navigator who will provide comprehensive and accelerated services to prepare you to advance and leverage career readiness and essential skills. They will provide ongoing career coaching activities such as resume development, elevator pitch, mock interviews and more. As you near completion of your training course, you will be connected with a member of the Employer Engagement Team for employment assistance. The Employer Engagement team partners with employers to facilitate employer led trainings, site tours, hiring events, and direct placements into high-paying industry related employment opportunities.
