Forklift truck engineer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Forklift truck engineers service and repair lift trucks.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
Adjust and reline

Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
Attach test instruments to equipment, and read dials and gauges to diagnose malfunctions.
Rebuild gas or diesel engines.
Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
Recondition and replace parts, pistons, bearings, gears, and valves.
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
Align front ends and suspension systems.
Inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery, such as pumps and compressors.
Install or repair accessories.
Disassemble and overhaul internal combustion engines, pumps, generators, transmissions, clutches, and differential units.
Diagnose and repair vehicle heating and cooling systems.
Repair or adjust seats, doors, or windows.
Follow green operational practices involving conservation of water or energy or reduction of solid waste.
Adjust or repair computer controlled exhaust emissions devices.
Measure vehicle emissions to determine whether they are within acceptable limits.
Maintain or repair vehicles with alternative fuel systems, including biodiesel, hybrid, or compressed natural gas vehicles.
Operate valve-grinding machines to grind and reset valves.

Average salary
45,523 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Forklift truck engineer

46,112 GBP
40,667 GBP

Average salary for part-time Forklift truck engineer

Average salary for full-time Forklift truck engineer

Showing:

24,842 GBP
19,347 GBP

45,523 GBP
40,667 GBP
46,112 GBP

Salary over time for Forklift truck engineer

Salary for this role has increased over time

42,396 GBP
42,382 GBP
42,534 GBP
43,712 GBP
45,725 GBP
44,407 GBP
45,523 GBP
44,522 GBP
44,065 GBP

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Future outlook for Forklift truck engineers

Very good outlook

168 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

0% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

29% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Forklift truck engineer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

40% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
30% of people in this role have do not have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications
18% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma

You can do a course in vehicle mechanics before applying for a job with a garage or repair service. Courses include:

Level 2 Certificate in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
Level 2 Diploma in Plant or Machinery Maintenance
Level 2 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Forklift truck engineer

Mechanic

What soft skills do I need?

Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Forklift truck engineer.

Repairing Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools

Troubleshooting Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it

Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems

Operation Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly

Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems

What technical skills do I need?

Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Forklift truck engineer. Check that you know:

Analytical or scientific software Cummins Insite; Engine diagnostic software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Facilities management software Computerized maintenance management system software CMMS; Shop management software

Office suite software Microsoft Office

Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel

Improve your skills today

Mechanic

Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

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Forklift truck engineer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

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Future outlook for Forklift truck engineers

Forklift truck engineer - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

What soft skills do I need?

What technical skills do I need?

Things to highlight for your Forklift truck engineer interview

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