Would a forklift course help in finding a welding job?

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I've already signed up for a forklift certification course at BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology), then I found out that my Welding Level C course starts sooner than I expected.  Would the forklift course help in finding a job as a welders' apprentice?  I expect that it would only help if there are employers looking for welders AND forklift operators, but I'm not sure if there would be many hiring both.  I doubt there would be, so it sounds like it would be a good idea to cancel the forklift course to save $300.  I'd just like to check here and make sure I'm making the right decision.
Reply:I would say it couldnt hurt....I use a forklift almost every day to move or lift something.If you cant fix it with a hammer, it must be an electrical problem."Boy, everyone starts with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before the bag of luck is empty."-Grandad circa 1990ish
Reply:Your forklift ticket is golden if you are looking for a welding job.  Years ago before cutbacks in the welding program many colleges included a training course as part of the C training.  This is becoming a big thing as WorkSafe is tightening their regulations.  Don't expect to get a job with a C ticket that is exclusively welding.  You will be cleaning and prepping for paint as well as handling material and cutting on the ironworker and saw.  Without a forklift ticket your employer is up against the eight ball if a worksafe inspector drops by.
Reply:Hello sparker599, I am with the other folks on this one. I do believe you will appreciate the value of the forklift course. Some shops have material handling "specialists", however, a large number of potential employers will require their employees to be "cross-trained" so to speak. That is when your forklift training will definitely be a benefit to you and them. You may not use it right out of the chute, but I do believe you will find value in it down the road in your pretty near future. Good luck and best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:No, every employer is required to do their own certification for forklift work.  It does not transfer.
Reply:I don't know how it works on the other side of the pond but here in the states most employers do their own forklift certifications. Experience running a forklift is really more valuable than a card that says you know how to go up and down. On the other hand last week we worked at a mine that will not allow anyone with out a "certification" in hand operate a forklift. Since all of our employes certifications are on file at the office only 1 guy can use the forklift because he has an old card from a company that has nothing to do with the project. The kicker is he's the worst operator we got....
Reply:OSHA rules are that the company must certify their own operator.  It's not transferable.  Therefore, a card from anywhere but the company you work for is all but worthless.
Reply:Hello 76GMC1500, you may wish to consider that your statements possibly do not apply to the OP's original post. He is in Canada, I don't believe that they necessarily recognize our OSHA rulings/requirements in his country. That is not to say that Canada doesn't have a similar organization and that they don't follow a similar line to our OSHA, but I wouldn't necessarily state it in the manner you have. I will certainly say that I have not followed forklift rules for OSHA in the U.S. however, not too long ago I do know that the United Rentals facility in my town certified high reach equipment operators, forklift operators, and handled other equipment related training for many of the local companies in the area. Just my $.02. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Ohhh.. missed the Canada part.
Reply:Would a forklift course help in finding a welding job?Depends on what metal objects are damaged during the driving portion of the test.
Reply:Yes, dont worry about the forklift certs, they will certified you at your new job regardless if you have one or not.
Reply:Here are the reasons why I think it would be a good idea to get the refund for my forklift course:1. We get $300 back, and my family is somewhat financially stressed2. I'm only about 90% sure that I like welding(I tried stick welding for about half an hour and it seemed fun and interesting, even though it was difficult).  If it turns out that I don't, the forklift course wouldn't be of much use(most employers want their forklift operators to have experience).  I know that welding is a dirty and usually hot job, but I don't mind.3. Most employers want their forklift operators to have experience, so what use would it be anyway, even if I do like welding?4.BCIT level C welders usually get employed quickly anyway  http://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/2880ttcert#graduating  (see 'How long did it take you to find your program-related job?' in the Graduate employment outcomes).  60-something percent of the students were employed withing a month of finishing, and nearly everyone within 2 months.5. The employer sometimes pays for the employee to be trained(but this would only be after working there several months, wouldn't it?).  I've also heard that most employers want to train the forklift operators on their own equipment, rather than having them trained at some other facility.  6. The forklift certification would only be vaild for 2 years(5 months as an apprentice welder and then about 7 more months after I cet my Welding Level C cert).
Reply:Take the course. We had a guy killed by his forklift at work. The life you save may be your own, where ever you choose to work.JanErik"The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." - Abraham Lincoln
Reply:Focus on welding.If you had $ and time to spare, a Forklift course would be nothing but a boost to your resume. But coming right out of school you shouldnt have trouble finding some entry job where they will prob have to certify you on there own equipment anyway.Good luck with school, I start a lvl C class in April at Kwantlen... Bcit was too long of a waitlist for me
Reply:Hello sparker599, it appears you have answered your own inquiry. Good luck and regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepWould a forklift course help in finding a welding job?Depends on what metal objects are damaged during the driving portion of the test.
Reply:Spark:   It is your choice what you do.  The primary thing concerning me is your hesitancy about taking the course.  Don't take the welding course if you are not sure about committing your time to it.  You have to practice much like practicing on a musical instrument.  Some people take half hour coffee breaks and extend their lunch breaks then suffer for it later on in the course.   Large companies will only pay a training outfit to train select employees on a forklift.  Smaller companies try to hire someone with a ticket to save money.     In any case the place you are planning to go is large and runs the classes like a production line.  If you are not committed to learning there will be no one to pick you up, wipe your nose, and give you a hug.  It is not high school.  The typical attrition rate is around ten percent.  They often start with 18 students knowing that a couple will drop out in the first two months.  I have seen some classes with only ten left at the end.  It is not always simply lazy people.  Some never realized how hot and uncomfortable it is under a hood day after day.  Some end up being pulled because of family commitments or yes in some cases "legal" commitments.  lastly on a positive note:  Welding and forklift driving are secondary skills in a lot of occupations.  If you look in the want ads they need Mechanics who can weld,  Machinists who can weld,  Millwrights who can weld, and even Carpenters who can weld.  The training will be with you for the rest of your life and it is a very handy skill to have in your back pocket.
Reply:Originally Posted by Prevail604Focus on welding.If you had $ and time to spare, a Forklift course would be nothing but a boost to your resume. But coming right out of school you shouldnt have trouble finding some entry job where they will prob have to certify you on there own equipment anyway.
Reply:Originally Posted by sparker599I've already signed up for a forklift certification course at BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology), then I found out that my Welding Level C course starts sooner than I expected.  Would the forklift course help in finding a job as a welders' apprentice?  I expect that it would only help if there are employers looking for welders AND forklift operators, but I'm not sure if there would be many hiring both.  I doubt there would be, so it sounds like it would be a good idea to cancel the forklift course to save $300.  I'd just like to check here and make sure I'm making the right decision.
Reply:Any safety training you can take will make you look better.  Where I work safety is put ahead of production every day. Any training like fork lift, scisor lift, platform lift, carry deck crane will look good on an application.  Our interview process talks as much about the persons safety habbits as much as skills.   If you can't work safe there are few large companies that will keep you around no matter how well you can weld.  Sorry for the ramble.  Yes take the fork lift class and any others you can get.Dan