Lift Your Career with the Forklift Mechanic Trade at ATI
At ATI, we equip future forklift mechanics with expertise to maintain, repair, and optimise the machines that keep warehouses, factories, and construction sites running smoothly. Through hands-on training and technical mastery, you’ll learn to diagnose issues, perform precise repairs, and ensure safety and efficiency in every lift.
From engines and hydraulics to electrical systems, you’ll gain the skills to keep heavy-lifting operations moving without a hitch. At ATI, every repair you complete is a step toward a strong, dependable, and in-demand career.
Qualification purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Forklift Mechanic. A Forklift mechanic maintains, diagnoses faults in and repairs Forklifts, including engines, mechanical parts and hydraulic or electrically powered systems. A qualified learner will be able to:
- Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on forklifts.
- Dismantle, assess, repair, and reassemble Forklift engines and power train system components.
- Diagnose and repair faults in forklifts, electrical drives, diesel engine and power train systems.
Foundational Learning Competence (SAQA Minimum Entry Level)
- Min GR.9 and older than 16 years. Subjects required with a minimum E symbol.
- Mathematics
- Engineering Science
- Engineering Drawings
Trade test requirements
Learner should have passed:
- N2 Mathematics, Engineering Science, Engineering Drawings, Petrol / Diesel Trade Theory
- N2 Certificate including the four relevant subjects of maths, engineering science and a fourth subject as required by the trade: or
- technical trade theory programs quality assured by a SETA deemed to be equivalent to NQF level 3 (N2); or
- Relevant Engineering NCV Certificate with seven subjects at NQF level 3; or
- Technical Grade 11 with Maths, Science, Language, and related trade theory subject; or
- Relevant (directly related to the trade theory subjects) N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma (T, S or N stream.)
In addition to the above-mentioned minimum educational qualification the applicant must also have:
- Successfully completed all off the job practical training unit standards (in the case of learnerships) or modules (in the case
of an apprenticeship) of an artisan learning program at an accredited training provider as verifiable by training records
(logbook).
- Satisfied the requirements of the structured workplace, on the job, learning for a minimum period of 12 months verifiable
through a workplace learning record (e.g. logbook) unless any other workplace period has been contractually specified before the date of publication of this Regulation.
Note: A Logbook is a record of all training the learner has received, contributing to their portfolio of evidence.
Skills obtained as outcomes
- Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on petrol, gas diesel, and electrical forklifts.
- Dismantle, assess, repair, and reassemble forklift hydraulic, engine and power train system components.
- Diagnose and repair faults in forklift hydraulic, engine and power train systems.
Qualification outcome
Qualified forklift mechanic (red seal) Internationally recognised
Types of jobs pertaining to the trade
- Entrepreneur / Contractor
- as an employee in any of the industries listed
Industries where they can work if qualified
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Agriculture
- Civil
- Logistics
- Anywhere forklifts are working.
Approximate trade duration
Off the job practical training.
- Phase 1 – Duration – 12 Weeks
- Phase 2 – Duration – 12 Weeks
- Phase 3 – Duration – 8 Weeks
- Phase 4 – Duration – 4 Weeks (Revision and Trade Test)
Workplace (on the job) experience
- 18 months. Registered learner with a SETA.
- 3 years ARPL route.
Contact us now for more information at any of our nationwide branches.
