Forklift Training Prices in Johannesburg

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Forklift training is a critical investment for individuals and businesses in Johannesburg, South Africa’s industrial hub, where safe and efficient warehouse operations are in high demand. Accredited forklift training ensures compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and equips operators with skills to handle heavy machinery, enhancing job prospects and workplace safety. This evergreen guide details forklift training prices in Johannesburg, sourced from reputable providers like H&L Training School, Gautech Training Institute, and CFAO Equipment. By exploring costs, course types, and factors influencing prices, this article empowers you to choose the right training program for your needs, whether you’re a novice or seeking license renewal.

Forklift Training Prices in Johannesburg

Forklift training prices in Johannesburg vary based on course type (novice, refresher, or recertification), duration, and provider accreditation. Below, we list prices from trusted training centers, based on 2024–2025 data, ensuring affordability and compliance with Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) and OHSA standards.

H&L Training School

  • Location: Midrand, Gauteng (serves Johannesburg, Soweto, Randburg)

  • Contact: +27 11 314 0402, www.hltraining.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  • Prices:

    • Novice Forklift Training (5 days, Unit Standard 242974, NQF Level 3): R1,500–R2,500

    • Refresher Course (1–2 days): R800–R1,200

    • License Renewal/Recertification: R600–R1,000

  • Notes: Established in 2008, H&L Training School is TETA-accredited (Registration No. 10-108) and offers comprehensive courses covering counterbalance forklifts (F1–F4) and reach trucks (F5). They provide job assistance through employer networks, free accommodation for out-of-town students, and on-site training for companies. Prices include certification and PPE requirements.

Gautech Training Institute

  • Location: Kempton Park, Johannesburg

  • Contact: +27 11 391 1111, www.gautechtraininginstitute.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sat by appointment

  • Prices:

    • Novice Forklift Training (5 days): R1,000–R1,500

    • Refresher Course (1 day): R600–R800

    • On-Site Training (per hour): R60–R100

    • License Renewal: R600–R1,000

  • Notes: Gautech offers TETA-accredited training for forklift codes F1 (3,000kg), F2 (7,000kg), F5 (reach truck), and F12. They provide instant certificates for experienced operators and free accommodation for students from areas like Soweto or Tembisa. Their mobile training unit supports on-site corporate training, and job assistance is included.

CFAO Equipment (Toyota Forklift Training Academy)

  • Location: 61 Maple Road, Pomona, Kempton Park, Johannesburg

  • Contact: +27 11 395 0600, www.cfaoequipment.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

  • Prices:

    • Novice Training (5 days): R2,500–R5,000

    • Refresher Course (1 day): R1,000–R1,500

    • On-Site Training (custom quote): R2,000–R5,000 (group rates)

    • License Renewal: R800–R1,500

  • Notes: CFAO, partnered with Toyota, offers TETA-accredited training with state-of-the-art simulators and seven certified trainers. Courses cover theoretical (20%) and practical (80%) components, meeting OHSA standards. On-site training is recommended for familiarity with workplace forklifts, and group discounts apply. Their Kempton Park facility is available for corporate hire.

AH Training Solutions

  • Location: Germiston, Johannesburg

  • Contact: +27 81 473 2638, www.ahtrainings.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  • Prices:

    • Novice Forklift Training (5 days): R2,500

    • Refresher Course (1 day): R1,000–R1,500

    • License Renewal: R800–R1,200

  • Notes: AH Training is accredited with TETA (TETA 22-1553) and QCTO, offering free transport from Johannesburg Park Station or MTN Taxi Rank. Their courses include practical evaluations and job assistance. Prices cover certification and compliance with Unit Standard 242974 (7 credits, NQF Level 3).

Wheelset Academy

  • Location: Multiple branches (Johannesburg, Germiston, Randburg, Soweto)

  • Contact: +27 72 629 5100, machines.wheelsetacademy.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  • Prices:

    • Novice Training (3–5 days): R1,500–R3,600

    • Refresher Course (1–2 days): R800–R1,500

    • License Renewal: R600–R1,500

  • Notes: Wheelset Academy is TETA and CETA-accredited, offering courses for novices and experienced operators. Prices include forklift license costs (R600–R1,500), and they provide job assistance via CV submission to employers. Training covers safety compliance, inventory processes, and maintenance checks.

Kims Machines (Dump Truck Training Masters)

  • Location: Johannesburg (Germiston, Soweto, Krugersdorp)

  • Contact: +27 71 053 2145, www.kimsmachines.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  • Prices:

    • Novice Training (5 days): R1,200–R1,500

    • Refresher Course (1 day): R600–R800

    • License Renewal: R600–R1,000

  • Notes: Kims Machines offers TETA-accredited training with instant certificates (3–4 days for novices). They provide free accommodation and job assistance, serving students from Soweto, Tembisa, and beyond. Courses cover forklift codes F1–F3 (3,000–15,000kg).

My Safety Shop

  • Location: Johannesburg (on-site training available)

  • Contact: +27 11 083 7682, www.mysafetyshop.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  • Prices:

    • Novice Training (5 days, per person): R2,500–R3,500 (group discounts for 4+ attendees)

    • Refresher Course (1 day): R1,000–R1,500

    • License Renewal: R800–R1,200

  • Notes: My Safety Shop’s TETA-accredited courses (Unit Standard 242974) include mechanical appreciation, refueling, and emergency procedures. On-site training requires a forklift for practicals, and certificates are valid for 2 years. Group rates lower costs per employee.

Price Breakdown by Course Type

To help you choose, here’s a summary of forklift training types and their price ranges in Johannesburg:

  • Novice Training:

    • Description: For beginners with no prior experience, covering theory (20%), practicals (80%), and safety regulations (Unit Standard 242974, NQF Level 3). Duration: 3–7 days.

    • Price Range: R1,000–R5,000

    • Best For: New operators seeking certification.

    • Providers: Gautech (R1,000–R1,500), CFAO (R2,500–R5,000).

  • Refresher Course:

    • Description: For certified operators updating skills or addressing unsafe habits. Duration: 1–2 days.

    • Price Range: R600–R1,500

    • Best For: Operators with valid or near-expired licenses.

    • Providers: Kims Machines (R600–R800), H&L Training (R800–R1,200).

  • License Renewal/Recertification:

    • Description: For operators renewing licenses (valid 2–3 years) or proving competence. Requires prior certificate or affidavit of experience.

    • Price Range: R600–R1,500

    • Best For: Experienced operators maintaining compliance.

    • Providers: Wheelset Academy (R600–R1,500), AH Training (R800–R1,200).

  • On-Site Corporate Training:

    • Description: Customized for companies, conducted at client premises with workplace forklifts. Duration: Varies.

    • Price Range: R60–R100/hour (Gautech) or R2,000–R5,000/group (CFAO).

    • Best For: Businesses training multiple employees.

    • Providers: CFAO, My Safety Shop.

Factors Influencing Forklift Training Prices

Several factors affect training costs in Johannesburg:

  • Course Duration: Novice courses (3–7 days) cost more than refreshers (1–2 days) due to extensive theory and practicals, per H&L Training.

  • Accreditation: TETA-accredited providers like CFAO charge higher for compliance with OHSA and Unit Standard 242974, ensuring legal recognition.

  • Training Format: On-site training (CFAO, Gautech) may cost more due to logistics, while in-house courses (H&L) are cheaper for individuals.

  • Forklift Type: Training for specialized forklifts (e.g., F5 reach trucks) costs more than standard counterbalance trucks (F1–F3), per Gautech.

  • Additional Services: Free accommodation (Kims Machines), job assistance (Wheelset Academy), or transport (AH Training) may increase prices but add value.

  • Group Discounts: Providers like My Safety Shop offer lower rates for groups of 4+ employees, reducing per-person costs.

Where to Find Forklift Training in Johannesburg

Johannesburg offers diverse training options:

Physical Training Centers

  • H&L Training School (Midrand): Central location with in-house facilities, ideal for individuals and companies.

  • CFAO Equipment (Kempton Park): Modern facility with simulators, perfect for corporate training.

  • Gautech Training Institute (Kempton Park): Offers mobile units for on-site training, serving Soweto, Tembisa, and Krugersdorp.

  • Kims Machines (Germiston, Soweto): Accessible for walk-ins, with free accommodation for out-of-town students.

Online and Hybrid Options

  • CFAO Equipment: Offers e-learning and instructor-led virtual training for theoretical components, reducing costs for remote learners.

  • Wheelset Academy: Provides virtual sessions alongside in-person practicals, catering to flexible schedules.

Corporate On-Site Training

  • My Safety Shop: Conducts training at client premises, requiring a forklift for practicals, ideal for businesses in Randburg or Roodepoort.

  • Gautech: Mobile training unit supports on-site corporate programs, minimizing downtime.

Tips for Getting the Best Deals

To secure affordable forklift training in Johannesburg:

  • Compare Providers: Check prices across Gautech (R1,000–R1,500), Kims Machines (R1,200–R1,500), and CFAO (R2,500–R5,000) for the best value.

  • Choose Refresher Courses: If certified, opt for a R600–R1,500 refresher instead of a full novice course, per H&L Training.

  • Leverage Group Rates: Enroll multiple employees with My Safety Shop or CFAO to lower per-person costs.

  • Look for Added Value: Providers like Kims Machines offer free accommodation, saving costs for students from Soweto or Tembisa.

  • Book Early: Avoid last-minute price hikes by registering 2–4 weeks in advance, as advised by AH Training.

  • Verify Accreditation: Ensure TETA or CETA accreditation (e.g., H&L’s TETA 10-108) for legally recognized certificates, per Wheelset Academy.

Benefits of Forklift Training

Forklift training offers significant advantages, per CFAO and Gautech:

  • Job Opportunities: Certified operators earn R5,290–R17,263/month, with demand in Johannesburg’s warehousing sector.

  • Safety Compliance: Training reduces accidents by 25%, meeting OHSA requirements and protecting workers, per CFAO.

  • Efficiency: Operators learn load handling and maintenance, boosting productivity, per H&L Training.

  • Career Growth: Certification enhances CVs, with job assistance from providers like Wheelset Academy.

Challenges and Considerations

While affordable, forklift training has potential drawbacks:

  • Hidden Costs: License fees (R600–R1,500) or PPE may not be included, per Wheelset Academy.

  • Time Commitment: Novice courses (3–7 days) require time off work, though refreshers are shorter, per Gautech.

  • Quality Variations: Low-cost providers (R600–R800) may lack simulators or experienced trainers, per CFAO’s standards.

  • Renewal Needs: Licenses expire every 2–3 years, requiring recertification (R600–R1,500), per H&L Training.

Requirements for Forklift Training

To enroll, per Gautech and AH Training:

  • Age: Minimum 18 years old.

  • Education: NQF Level 1 (Grade 7 equivalent) for communication and math literacy.

  • Documents: National ID/passport, 2 passport photos, CV (for job assistance).

  • For Renewals: Copy of previous license or affidavit of experience.

  • PPE: Hard hat, safety boots, high-visibility vest (often provided).

Economic and Cultural Context

Forklift training supports Johannesburg’s industrial landscape:

  • Economic Impact: Training centers like H&L employ local trainers, boosting Gauteng’s economy.

  • Job Creation: Certified operators fill roles in warehouses, with 10% industry growth projected by 2026, per GoCareers.

  • Safety Culture: OHSA compliance reduces workplace injuries, fostering safer environments, per CFAO.

Future Outlook

Johannesburg’s forklift training market is evolving:

  • Price Stability: Competition among providers like Gautech and Kims Machines keeps costs affordable.

  • Digital Training: E-learning and virtual sessions, offered by CFAO, may lower costs by 2026.

  • Industry Demand: Growing warehousing needs will increase training demand, per Wheelset Academy.

Conclusion

Forklift training prices in Johannesburg range from R600–R5,000, with providers like H&L Training School, Gautech, and CFAO offering TETA-accredited courses for novices, refreshers, and renewals. By comparing providers, leveraging group rates, and choosing accredited programs, you can secure quality training within your budget. Grounded in credible sources and aligned with Johannesburg’s industrial needs, this guide ensures you gain the skills and certification to thrive as a forklift operator. Contact a provider today to start your journey toward a safer, more rewarding career.