Thinking about pursuing a forklift operator career in Melbourne, but unsure where to start or how to make progress?
As the warehousing, logistics and manufacturing sectors are all booming in Australia, everyone is looking for highly trained and safety-focused forklift operators. There are currently more than 68,100 forklift drivers working under the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code 7213, and they earn a median of $1,447 a week (Jobs and Skills Australia).
On the other hand, the Transport, Postal and Warehousing sector employs around 745,400 people or approximately 5.1% of the Australian workforce. But many newcomers and jobholders run into barriers when it comes to licensing requirements, safety standards and career ladders.
In this guide, we’ll cover the key skills to success, what types of forklift licences are available, job opportunities available & career prospects for this rewarding and practical career. By the end, you will have a detailed plan which you can follow to start or advance your forklift career with confidence.
Skills That Drive Success
A standout forklift operator combines hands-on ability with safety focus and communication.
Some core skills include:
Machine operating competence
- The ability to handle counterbalance, reach, or order-picker forklifts.
Strict safety awareness
- Adhering to checklists, protocols, and situational alertness.
Organisational efficiency
- Moving goods methodically and maximising workflow.
Team communication
- Able to coordinate with team members and report issues clearly.
Problem-solving agility
- Adjusting to unforeseen issues or minor malfunctions.
Employers particularly value operators who can hold both LF and LO licences and consistently exhibit safe practices.
Forklift Licence Types in Melbourne
Having a basic understanding of forklift licence categories can help you to get in line and align with various employer demands and make sure you follow the right path.
Forklift licences in Australia are also governed by WorkSafe Victoria, and there are two primary types you can acquire:
1. LF – Forklift Licence
Covers: All standard forklift types, including counterbalance, reach, and rough terrain forklifts
Ideal for: Warehouses, production facilities, outdoor construction sites and logistics centres
Key Use Cases:
- Handing trucks, pallets and containers to load and unload.
- Safe handling and moving of goods within warehouses and premises
- Operating forklifts across indoor and outdoor surfaces
The LF licence is the most common forklift qualification in Australia and covers a wide range of standard forklift types used in everyday operations.
2. LO – Order Picker Licence
Covers: Order Picking Forklifts (also known as stock pickers)
Ideal for: Warehouses and distribution centres with high racking systems
Key Use Cases:
- Lifting the operator along with the load to retrieve stock from a height
- Managing precision picking in narrow or high-level aisles
The LO licence is compulsory for situations where operators are required to access load or stock.
Holding both LF and OF licences will significantly enhance your employability because it gives you the potential to work in a wide variety of forklift environments and types. Most Melbourne workplaces prefer an operator who is licenced in both classes to show versatility and a high degree of safety and preparation for various operational requirements.
Tip:
The LF licence applies to most forklifts used in warehouses and other commercial situations, while the LO is specifically for order picker machines that lift the operator as they pick against a rack. Getting both licenses could open up opportunities to work in better-paying, more flexible jobs across Melbourne’s logistics and manufacturing industries.
Training & Safety Essentials
Completing your LF or LO forklift training in Melbourne ensures you gain essential experience and compliance knowledge required by WorkSafe Victoria.
Such Training Includes
- Operation under supervision
- Learning and applying a forklift safety checklist
- Studying and utilising a Forklift Hardware Checklist
- Understanding workplace legislation and risk controls
- Handling diverse loads in real environments
Sample Forklift Safety Checklist
- Inspection of forks, tyres and hydraulics before the operation
- Use of Personal protective equipment (PPE) like hi-vis gear, helmets and gloves
- Adhering to the weight and staking guidelines
- Ensuring overhead clearances and pathways
- Make sure to keep communication open and clear with supervisors and team members
- Reporting accidents and hazards immediately
Job Opportunities in the Sector
A forklift operator career in Melbourne offers plenty of pathways across industries, making it a strong choice for both beginners and experienced operators. Depending on your licences and skills, you could work in areas like:
Warehouses and Logistics Centres
- Transporting pallets, loading and unloading trucks while maintaining stock in order. Highly skilled operators are essential for running warehousing operations efficiently and minimising delays.
Manufacturing Facilities
- Moving raw materials and products between departments to maintain production lines moving smoothly. Accuracy and timing are important.
Construction Sites
- Using rough terrain forklifts to move heavy materials safely across uneven surfaces. Operators who work efficiently in challenging conditions are highly valued.
Specialised Work Environments
- Roles in cold storage, ports, or high-racking warehouses often require additional licences but offer higher pay and career growth opportunities.
The outlook for forklift operators in Australia is positive. The Australian forklift market is projected to reach $2.12 billion by 2030, growing at over 13% annually (Grand View Research). Experienced operators in Melbourne can earn around $35 per hour (Indeed).
If you have the correct licences and a good safety orientation, this is a job that can provide plenty of stability, progression and scope to specialise or move into supervisory positions.
Future Outlook & Growth
The future for forklift operators in Melbourne remains promising:
- Operators with multiple licencesstrict safety recordstend to move into supervisory or training roles.
- Specialising (e.g. cold storage, port operations) can command premium pay and stability.
- Transport and warehousing sectors> in Australia account for 4.6% of GDP, confirming the industry’s significant contribution to the Australian economy. (bitre.gov.au)
- Continuous investment in supply chains and e-commerce logistics will sustain demand for trained operators.
The people who keep up to date, broaden their skill set and adhere to safety protocols are well placed to do very well in the long run.
Planning Your Career Path
Here’s a step-by-step blueprint:
- Select a trusted forklift training Melbourne provider.
- Choose your initial licence type (counterbalance is common).
- Complete training with hands-on practice.
- Gain workplace experience with entry roles in warehouses or logistics.
- Upskill by adding licence types or safety credentials.
- Target specialised or leadership roles as you grow.
With a clear roadmap, consistent learning, and quality training, your forklift operator career can become a stable and rewarding profession in Melbourne.