Forklift Licence Course (LF) – Gold Coast & Brisbane

Delivered at our Stapylton training facility, conveniently located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Weekly day courses and monthly night intakes available.

Unit Code + Name

TLILIC0003 – Licence to operate a forklift truck

Licence Class

LF (Forklift High Risk Work Licence)

Career Pathway

Warehousing, logistics, transport, construction, manufacturing

Expected Salary

$65,000 - $75,000* pa or $30-$35* an hour

Why Study This Course?

What will this licence allow you to do

Course Costs, Funding & Support

ItemFull PriceCSQ FundingEvening Surcharge
Forklift Ticket (LF)$650No longer a CSQ funded course+$200 (evening course)
²CSQ funding criteria apply; eligible construction workers get most fees covered.

*SEEK data, Nov 2025

TLILIC0003 – Licence to operate a forklift truck

Get licensed to operate a forklift truck and boost your site safety and job opportunities.

TLILIC0003 – Licence to operate a forklift truck is a nationally recognised unit that covers the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a forklift across transport, warehousing, logistics and construction environments.

Training is delivered at OTJT’s Stapylton yard by experienced industry trainers using real forklifts and practical scenarios that reflect real job conditions. You’ll learn to operate safely, efficiently and in full compliance with WHS and licensing standards.

 

What you’ll learn

  • How to plan and prepare for forklift operations, including checking the load, surface conditions and work area hazards.

  • How to inspect and maintain the forklift before, during and after use, including brakes, steering, hydraulics and safety systems.

  • How to operate the forklift safely to lift, shift, stack and place loads of various sizes and weights within rated capacity.

  • How to calculate load weights, centres of gravity and stability limits.

  • How to travel and manoeuvre the forklift safely around obstacles and in confined areas.

  • How to communicate effectively with other workers and follow site traffic management plans.

  • How to complete shutdown procedures, secure the forklift and record any maintenance needs.

 

What you’ll demonstrate

  • Safe pre-start checks and routine maintenance procedures.

  • Confident, controlled operation of a forklift under real-site conditions.

  • Correct load handling techniques to maintain stability and prevent accidents.

  • Clear communication and hazard awareness in shared workspaces.

  • Full compliance with WHS legislation, manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures.

Successful participants who meet all Elements and Performance Criteria, and demonstrate the required Knowledge and Performance Evidence, will receive a Statement of Attainment for TLILIC0003 – Licence to operate a forklift truck.

This confirms you’ve been trained and assessed as competent in the unit of competency. You’ll then complete a separate licensing assessment under the National Assessment Instruments (NAI) with a SafeWork Queensland approved assessor.

Once both are successfully completed, you can apply to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for your High Risk Work Licence (LF – forklift truck).

🔗 View the full unit details on training.gov.au

  • Warehouse and logistics workers needing a forklift licence
  • Construction and manufacturing workers working around plant
  • Apprentices and trainees entering site-based roles
  • Employers looking to upskill their crew safely and efficiently
 
Our forklift course often suits those who are time poor, with training and assessment being completed in 2 consecutive, extended days (or 3 nights) rather than the more typical 3 days from other training providers.

Training is conducted at  our training yard’s central SEQ location in Stapylton – Yatala North exit off the M1.

We regularly train students from across Brisbane South, Logan and the Gold Coast, including:

  • Logan (Beenleigh, Loganholme) – 15 mins
  • Gold Coast North (Coomera, Helensvale) – 20–30 mins
  • Brisbane South (Acacia Ridge, Rocklea) – 35–40 mins
  • Gold Coast Central (Southport, Robina) – 30–35 mins
  • Gold Coast South (Currumbin, Tweed) – approx. 45 mins
  • Ipswich – approx. 45 mins

No matter where you’re coming from, Stapylton is a central, easy-to-access location for forklift training across South East Queensland.

👉 Book your forklift course

  • Day classes: Every week, 2-day course, Tues-Wed 6:30 am–5 pm
  • Night classes: Every 4 weeks, 3-night course, Mon-Wed 3.30-9.30 pm
  • Blended: Optional pre-course e-learning or Face-to-Face with a trainer
  • Private groups: Book your crew for private, tailored classes, on our site or yours

 

^Blended learning at OTJT means you can knock over your theory online before you arrive, so your time on site is all about getting hands-on and building the skills you need.

Statement of Attainment: Upon achieving competence in this accredited unit of competency, you will be issued a physical and digital copy of a Statement of Attainment for your official records.  Please note that USI transcripts are only updated once a year, so keep it somewhere safe. Don’t worry, though, if you do lose it, get in touch and we can issue a new one.

High-risk work licence (HRWL): Upon successful completion of the national assessment instruments (NAI), the assessor will give you a candidate assessment summary (CAS).  This summary will legally allow you to use that licence to operate forklift trucks.  The Office of Industrial Relations will then invite you by email to apply for a LF Class  HRWL, after which you have just 60 days to apply or will need to be reassessed. 

Students with HRWL’s from other states will need to apply to Safework Qld then have the option to transfer their qualification to their state HRWL.

1st Day/Night – Welcome: After a site induction, you’ll learn the fundamentals of forklift operating, covering the theory and practical elements of the course, including WHS. All students have the option to complete the theoretical learning online via e‑learning from the moment they are enrolled before course commencement, but it is not mandatory.

In your practical training, you’ll get hands-on with forklift operation under trainer supervision, including manoeuvring, stacking, and load handling.

2nd Day/Night – Put it into practice!: With the guidance of the training team, your new knowledge and practical skills will be honed and you’ll complete the unit of competency phase in a portfolio of work.

2nd Day/3rd Night – Assessment – NAI time: Once you’ve achieved competence in the unit, you will prepare and begin the knowledge, calculation and practical tasks as part of the national assessment instruments (NAI’s). 

Please note that you need to successfully complete the knowledge and calculation assessments before moving on to the practical tasks. Once you’ve successfully completed all the NAI’s, you’ll receive a Candidate Assessment Summary (CAS) from your assessor and can then apply for a LF class high‑risk work licence (HRWL) from Workplace Health & Safety Queensland. Use this CAS as proof of your successful assessment until your HRWL arrives in the post.

Reassessments: 

Should you not achieve competence in any of the NAIs, then you will be entitled to no more than one reassessment with no charge. At the RTO’s discretion, any additional reassessments will incur further fees of $250 each, including charges for retraining of $500 if required.

Please use this course structure as a guide. Many factors can influence course timings, such as the size of the group, weather conditions or a student’s time to achieve competence in the unit.

Holding an LF high risk work licence can open the door to forklift operator roles across warehousing, transport, manufacturing and construction support environments. Most employers require a current LF licence before considering applicants for these positions.

For a closer look at demand, typical requirements and where forklift roles are advertised in Queensland, see our forklift jobs in Queensland guide.

Forklifts are classified as high risk work in Australia. Completing TLILIC0003 – Licence to operate a forklift truck and holding a current LF licence allows you to legally operate a forklift in workplaces where high risk licensing applies.

To understand what forklift operators do day to day, see our forklift job description guide. For more detail on licensing requirements in Queensland, read our forklift licence explained page.

Forklifts are classified as high risk work in Australia. Completing TLILIC0003 – Licence to operate a forklift truck and holding a current LF licence allows you to legally operate a forklift in workplaces where high risk licensing applies.

To understand what forklift operators do day to day, see our forklift job description guide.

For more detail on licensing requirements in Queensland, read our forklift licence explained page.

  • ID & USI: Provide 100 points ID and a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
  • PPE: (steel‑cap boots. High‑vis vest, gloves and hard hat can be provided upon request).
  • Age: 18+ 
  • LLN: basic English literacy (LLN & Digital Literacy Skills Check must be completed by new students).
  • HRW Licence application fees: see WorkSafe QLD for current costs. $109.71 as of Aug 2025

The table below summarises the level of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ASCF)* (and DigComp) required for this course.

Learning

Reading

Writing

Oral Communication

Numeracy

Digital Literacy

ACSF 2

ACSF 3

ACSF 3

ACSF 3

ACSF 3

DigComp A2

I was no good at maths at school!

We hear that.  Our experience is that students often find the numeracy component a challenging part of this course and HRWL courses in general. 

If numeracy is a challenge for you, then we suggest you get started with the trainer video tutorials that walk you through some calculations you’ll need to learn related to load chart and pad sizing calculations.  You’ll be sent a link to our ‘Training Tid Bits’ portal as soon as you’re enrolled so you can get ahead before you start training on site.

Check out our FAQ’s on this page below for some more info about our learning resources designed to set up all students for success, regardless of their capabilities, or find our Student Support Policy here.

For more information about the ACSF visit the DEWR website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-information-training-providers/australian-core-skills-framework

Skill Type

ACSF Level

Learning

2

Reading

3

Writing

3

Oral Communication

3

Numeracy

3

Digital Literacy

DigComp A2

I was no good at maths at school!

We hear that.  Our experience is that students often find the numeracy component a challenging part of this course and HRWL courses in general. 

If numeracy is a challenge for you, then we suggest you get started with the trainer video tutorials that walk you through some calculations you’ll need to learn related to load chart and pad sizing calculations.  You’ll be sent a link to our ‘Training Tid Bits’ portal as soon as you’re enrolled so you can get ahead before you start training on site.

Check out our FAQ’s on this page below for some more info about our learning resources designed to set up all students for success, regardless of their capabilities, or find our Student Support Policy here.

For more information about the ACSF visit the DEWR website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-information-training-providers/australian-core-skills-framework

For those who are CFMEU members and have an account with BERT. Members commonly access BERT Training Funding to cover part of the ‘out of pocket’ cost in conjunction with CSQ funding, which covers the rest. The member may also need to make a further contribution.

When CSQ Funding is not available, then BERT members often access this fund as an alternative to support the cost of their training.

Should the participant not achieve competence in any of the NAIs, then they will be entitled to no more than one reassessment with no charge. At the RTO’s discretion, any additional reassessments will incur further fees of $250 each, including charges for retraining of $500 if required.

Please use this course structure as a guide. Many factors can influence course timings, such as the size of the group, weather conditions or a student’s time to achieve competence in the unit.

What Makes Our Course & OUR RTO Special?

Small Training Provider of the Year

Small Training Provider of the Year

for eligible QLD construction workers

in addition to max time in the seat. Real skills, real fun.

means personalised coaching.

and night classes every 4 weeks—fits your schedule.

including a 101t crawler, 25 t truck crane, 14 t Franna, telehandler and 2 tower cranes for  hands‑on training.

midway Brisbane  ↔  Gold Coast—easy access.

training that fits Around You

online theory access as soon as you enrol

day, night, or multi-week delivery

leave your days free to keep earning and the boss happy

plus VR, videos, podcasts and real hands-on practical training

98%

of students would recommend our training to others.

 Source: OTJ Training ASQA Learner Survey 2024

98%

of students said that the training prepared them well for work.

 Source: OTJ Training ASQA Learner Survey 2024

Be inspired by real success stories from our OTJ Legends—graduates who’ve turned training into life-changing careers.

Stories from OTJ Legends

Our Facility

How We Support You

From personalised guidance to ongoing mentorship, we’re with you every step of the way to ensure your success.
dogging and rigging
Start your journey in three easy steps

how to enrol

Complete LLN/Digital Skills Check

Not a pass or fail, just a chance to set you up for success.

Pay $100 Deposit 

Secure your spot with a $100 deposit (non-refundable once enrolled).

Pay The Balance Before Your Course

Settle the remaining course fee before your start date to confirm your enrolment.

Come Train & Get Lifting Baby!

Get your skills and knowledge together and get qualified.

Find answers to the most common questions about our training programs, funding, and support.

FAQ'S

Yes. In Australia, operating a forklift requires a high risk work licence (LF) issued by Workplace Health and Safety.

At OTJT, we deliver the training and assessment needed to help you successfully apply for your forklift licence.

Our standard forklift course is delivered over 2 days, combining both theory and practical training with your assessment.

We also offer a night course option, delivered over 3 shorter evening sessions, for those who need a more flexible schedule.

Yes. We offer night forklift courses designed for people who are working during the day.

These are delivered over 3 shorter evening sessions, giving you the same training outcomes in a more flexible format.

Forklift course pricing can vary depending on the provider, course format and availability.

At OTJ Training, our forklift course at our training yard in Stapylton costs $650.

 

Yes – popular bundles include Telehandler, EWP, Vehicle Loading Crane and Integrated Tool Carrier.

No. Forklift training in Queensland cannot be completed in a single day. You need enough time to develop both the theory knowledge and practical skills before assessment.

Be cautious of providers advertising “1-day forklift courses”, as this often doesn’t allow enough time to properly prepare for the high risk work licence assessment.

Not always. Some providers offer training and assessment as separate bookings, which can suit people who need to spread things out.

However, from our experience, students tend to perform better when their training and assessment are completed close together, while the knowledge and practical skills are still fresh. Losing that momentum can make the assessment more challenging.

At OTJT, our courses are structured to keep your training and assessment aligned, helping you stay on track and confident. If you need to split your course across separate weeks, then we can arrange it.

Yes, it is possible to be assessed as not yet competent if the required skills and knowledge aren’t demonstrated.

At OTJT, our trainers work closely with you throughout the course to make sure you’re prepared before assessment. If something’s not quite right, you’ll get guidance and support to help you improve.

For most people, getting a forklift licence is very achievable with the right training and preparation.

At OTJT, no prior experience is needed. If you’re willing to listen, ask questions and get involved in the practical training, you’ll be in a strong position to successfully complete the course.

 Steel cap boots, PPE, 100 pts of ID, and your USI.

Our training yard is based in Stapylton, centrally located between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Most students travel from Logan, Brisbane South and the Gold Coast, with typical drive times ranging from 15 to 45 minutes depending on your location.

👉 Book your forklift course

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*SEEK Data, Nov25

^Optional pre-course learning available to help you prepare before attending the course.

+Includes a Saturday morning to complete assessments.

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