Many manufacturers and warehouses in Western North Carolina are looking to hire experienced fork-lift drivers right now. If you know how to drive a forklift, you have a valuable skill that many local employers need. If you are looking for a new career opportunity and are interested in learning how to operate a forklift or get Material Handler job experience, this blog will help give you some valuable information about these jobs and what you’ll need to do in order to get hired.
What Does a Material Handler Do?
A Material Handler plays a vital role in the logistics and supply chain by safely moving raw materials, components, and finished products within warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Using a variety of material handling equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, order pickers, and hand trucks, Material Handlers ensure smooth operations across production and storage areas.
To excel in this role, workers need to be proficient in operating different types of powered industrial trucks. This can include sit-down rider forklifts, stand-up reach trucks, counterbalance forklifts, clamp trucks, and cherry-pickers. A solid understanding of palletizing techniques, proper load handling, and strict adherence to workplace safety procedures is essential to maintain efficiency and reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
What Skills Are Required to Become a Material Handler?
Beyond operating equipment, Material Handlers must possess a mix of technical and soft skills, such as:
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Following Written and Verbal Instructions: Ability to understand and execute job orders accurately.
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Basic Math and Reading Skills: Important for tracking inventory, counting materials, and reading work orders.
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Computer Literacy: Often required for logging inventory data, updating electronic records, or using warehouse management systems (WMS).
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Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to inspect equipment, troubleshoot minor issues, and perform routine maintenance checks.
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Attention to Detail and Safety Awareness: Essential for identifying potential hazards and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.
How Can You Learn to Drive a Forklift?
Many community colleges and vocational schools in Western North Carolina offer Forklift Safety and Operation courses that teach both the practical skills and safety regulations needed for certification.
Local Training Programs Include:
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Haywood Community College’s Production Technician Course: Earn your OSHA Forklift Certification, OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification, and a Career Readiness Certificate, along with training in workplace observation and safety.
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AB Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing Program: Offers a comprehensive Forklift Safety and Operation certification that covers safe driving techniques and regulatory compliance.
These programs prepare you for real-world forklift operation while fulfilling OSHA’s safety standards, making you a competitive candidate for material handling roles.
Sample Job Ad: Material Handler Position
Job Requirements:
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Previous forklift experience and current certification, or the ability to pass a forklift re-certification test.
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High school diploma or GED.
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Ability to follow daily production schedules and instructions.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
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Retrieve items from storage, prepare packaging materials, and apply labels.
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Set up and load filling machines; stack and palletize products efficiently.
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Operate automatic and manual packaging machines, scales, printing devices, forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
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Maintain accurate written and electronic records related to inventory and production tasks.
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Report any quality issues or safety concerns immediately to supervisors or management.
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Keep the work area clean, organized, and safe by properly storing ingredients, supplies, and finished products.
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Follow all workplace safety rules, policies, and procedures.
Friday Services Can Help You Find the RIGHT Material Handler Job for You
The Friday Services team is happy to talk to you about what it takes to build a successful career as a Material Handler in Western North Carolina. Feel free to contact us. Or if you are ready to begin the process to register as a Friday Services worker fill out our online application and we will call you.
