what is a telehandler?
As a telehandler, you work with a specific type of machinery called telescopic handlers or telehandlers. The telescopic handlers, teleporters and boom lifts are used in construction and farming. Your job is to operate the equipment to move heavy loads in areas inaccessible to forklift trucks. Aside from operating the telehandlers, you assess the loads to ensure they are safe to lift. That means it is important to understand the loads, sizes and weights to ensure the telehandler is stable.
Telehandlers should understand how telescopic handlers work to perform maintenance. You also follow strict security regulations to ensure the safety of equipment and people on the construction site. The role requires spatial awareness since you move items in small spaces.
Would working as a telehandler suit your spatial awareness and calm demeanour? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a telehandler role.
find your telehandler jobaverage telehandler salary
According to ONS, a telehandler earns a salary of £32,175 per year. With minimal experience, you can earn over £29,215 yearly. The most experienced telehandlers earn over £37,050 annually. The compensation package depends on various factors, including qualifications and experience level.
what factors affect the salary of a telehandler?
When you are a telehandler, your compensation depends on your qualifications. While telehandlers don’t require specific qualifications, training in construction and other machine operation courses increases your salary prospects. When you have extensive experience, you are likely to earn more than a new telehandler.
The industry you work in can also influence your earnings. For instance, when you work in construction or manufacturing, you are likely to earn more due to the complexity of tasks. Telehandlers in the warehouse industry earn a lower salary since they handle less complex roles.
types of telehandlers
Some of the types of telehandlers include:
- telehandler operators: as a telehandler operator, you guide a telescopic handler to move items in construction sites through crammed-up spaces. You require knowledge of operating telehandlers with different attachments.
- telehandler drivers: as a telehandler, you drive the trucks fitted with telescopic handlers. The telehandlers resemble a combination of forklifts and cranes that require precision and flexibility in transporting the items.
working as a telehandler
Working as a telehandler involves operating machines and boom lifts to hoist items in construction facilities. Here are some of the duties and responsibilities of a telehandler.
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telehandler job description
As a telehandler, your primary role is to operate telescopic handlers, but you have other duties, including:
- loading and unloading materials: as a telehandler, you operate a telescopic handler or boom lift to move materials from one location to another. You can use the telehandler to load and unload materials from a transport truck and hoist them to the top of a construction site. Aside from offloading trucks, you also load vehicles at construction sites or warehouses.
- moving pallet-packed materials: as a telehandler, you work in construction sites or manufacturing and storage facilities to move pallet-packed materials. A telehandler effectively moves various items since you can manoeuvre crammed-up spaces in construction sites.
- checking if materials are secure: as a telehandler, your job involves moving materials to high heights in construction sites. Before you operate the telescopic handler or boom lifts, ensure the loads are secure. You don’t want to drop the loads on the way up since it can cause accidents and pose health and safety risks.
- performing equipment maintenance: as a telehandler, you are responsible for the maintenance tasks associated with telescopic handlers. Your job is to clean the equipment and remove the attachment after moving materials. You also repair and grease the moving parts to ensure the equipment works as expected. It is important to double-check the telehandlers before work commences to avoid accidents.
- adherence to health and safety standards: as a telehandler, you follow written instructions and keep records of all the processes. You also ensure that health and safety standards are followed during operations.
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work environment
As a telehandler, you work in manufacturing, construction or warehouse industries operating telescopic handlers or boom lifts. Since you work in a construction environment, you work outdoors in all weather conditions. Sometimes, you work under extremely high or low temperatures to complete your tasks. As a telehandler, you operate heavy equipment, requiring protective equipment, including hard hats. It is also important to wear goggles to protect your eyes from dust at construction sites and use earmuffs to reduce the noise.
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who are your colleagues?
Telehandlers work with various professionals to complete their tasks. Some of your colleagues include machine operators, forklift drivers and warehouse operators. In the construction industry, you work alongside construction workers and crane operators, as well as other professionals, including crane supervisors, plant mechanics and plant operators.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a telehandler varies based on specific duties and responsibilities. However, you usually work with the construction crew, which means your workday starts early and could extend to evenings. In warehouses or manufacturing facilities, you are likely to work in shifts since items are moved throughout the day and night. You can work full-time or part-time as a telehandler, depending on your availability.
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job outlook
As a telehandler, your job prepares you for various roles in the construction industry. For instance, you can become a machine operator or forklift driver. Telehandlers also gain certifications to become crane operators and plant operators. Some telehandlers become supervisors in warehouses or factories.
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advantages of finding a telehandler job through randstad
Finding your telehandler job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a telehandler is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes to becoming a telehandler operator include:
- college: to become a telehandler, complete a Level 2 award or certificate in forklift truck or machine operations. The training involves operating the equipment and maintaining telehandlers. Instead of completing the CPCS training, you can take the NPORS test to get a certificate for operating telehandlers. You also require a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card if you work on construction sites.
- apprenticeship: you can become a telehandler through an apprenticeship programme with a warehouse, a manufacturing company or a building supplier. The apprenticeships are open to youths over 16 years, and you work 30 hours a week to gain on-the-job experience at the company.
- work experience: you require experience to work as a telehandler. You can gain work experience by working weekends and holidays or interning at a construction site to familiarise yourself with the equipment.
telehandler skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a telehandler operator include:
- attention to detail: as a telehandler, being attentive to details helps you take extra care when moving materials or items. You observe the smallest details when moving items and notice subtle changes in the sounds of machines and other equipment. Your detail-oriented skills also help you adjust the equipment properly and ensure smooth operation.
- critical thinking skills: as a telehandler, you rely on critical thinking to assess the outcome of actions before engaging them. For instance, you analyse the situation when moving items through a cramped space to avoid loss or equipment damage. Critical thinking improves your judgement and prevents unnecessary mistakes that could lead to additional problems.
- active learning skills: as a telehandler, constantly learning helps improve your skill set. Ensure you participate in further training, take courses and read the instruction manual. When you seek continuous improvement, you learn how to operate new machines.
- organisational skills: as a telehandler, you require organisation skills to complete tasks on time. When you organise your work, you provide accurate reports and ensure the maintenance of every work tool on the construction site.
- problem-solving skills: it is common for problems to arise in the workplace, and you require problem-solving skills to navigate them. As a telehandler, you investigate problems with the equipment and find solutions.
FAQs about working as a telehandler
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a telehandler.
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what are the duties of a telehandler operator?
As a telehandler operator, you transport materials from a storage location to a work site. If the site is inaccessible using a truck, you move the materials to the work area. You operate the telehandler carefully to ensure the materials move with minimal damage. You can load and offload materials in warehouses and construction sites.
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what’s a telehandler driver?
A telehandler driver operates the telehandlers or telescopic handlers used to move items from one location to another. You mainly work in construction, logistics, agriculture and warehouses to operate the equipment for transporting goods and raw materials. The telehandlers are fitted with various attachments allowing you to lift various loads.
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what is the function of a telehandler in construction?
Telehandlers are ideal for construction sites since they carry heavy materials. Unlike other machines for lifting heavy equipment, a telehandler is flexible and carries various loads using different attachments. Its precise movements are useful in construction since it can move items in cramped spaces.
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what is a telescopic forklift driver?
As a telescopic forklift driver, you operate a telescopic forklift on a construction site or warehouse. You use the telehandler to load and unload materials from various vehicles. A telehandler is efficient in moving pallet-packed materials around the site or warehouse. You also perform equipment checks and basic maintenance tasks using telehandlers.
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what qualities does a telehandler require?
As a telehandler, you require great spatial awareness to move items in crammed-up positions. You also require attentiveness to details to avoid hitting other objects and structures as you transport items. Being good at operating equipment and controlling machine operations is crucial for the role.
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how do I apply for a telehandler vacancy?
Applying for a telehandler job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
