NPORS Telescopic Handler (Telehandler) (N010)

Course Overview

The NPORS Telescopic Handler (Telehandler) (N010) course, commonly known as telehandler training, is designed to give operators the skills and knowledge needed to use telescopic handlers safely in a range of working environments. It is suitable for people working in construction, agriculture, warehousing, and industrial sectors who move, lift, and place loads using a telehandler.

Training covers key aspects of safe operation, including machine controls, pre-use checks, safe travel on varied terrain, and accurate load handling. The NPORS Telescopic Handler course helps delegates operate more confidently and efficiently, while meeting site and legislative requirements.

Who is this course for?

This NPORS Telescopic Handler (Telehandler) course is intended for personnel who operate or will be required to operate a telehandler as part of their role. It is ideal for:

• Site forklift and telehandler operators
• Groundworkers and site operatives who move materials using plant
• Agricultural workers handling bales, feed, and other loads with a telehandler
• Warehouse and yard staff using telescopic handlers for loading and unloading
• Plant operators who are new to telehandlers or need formal certification

No previous formal telehandler training is required for novice candidates. Any prior experience operating a plant or working on construction or agricultural sites will be helpful, but key principles are introduced and reinforced during the course.

What you will learn

By the end of the NPORS Telescopic Handler course, delegates will:

• Have a basic understanding of the industry, the dangers of working in the industry, and their responsibilities as a plant operator.
• Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook for the particular telehandler to be used and other relevant sources of information.
• Be able to locate and identify the major components of the machine and explain their functions.
• Be able to locate and identify steering, driving, and braking controls and explain their functions.
• Conduct all pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturer and legislative requirements.
• Safely mount and dismount the machine.
• Start and stop the engine, move the telehandler off, and park it safely.
• Configure the machine for travel and manoeuvre it safely, laden and unladen, over varying terrain, rough ground and inclines, in open and confined areas.
• Conduct all necessary safety checks at the work area before and during operations.
• Manoeuvre the machine to the work area and correctly configure it in readiness to carry out lifting and load handling tasks.
• Carry out lifting and load handling tasks in a safe and controlled manner.
• Lift and transfer loads accurately and safely to different locations and heights.
• Load and unload external transport safely.
• Fit, adjust, and remove attachments as required.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of loading and unloading procedures for machine transportation.
• Carry out all end-of-shift and shutdown procedures safely.

Practical exercises mirror typical site and yard conditions where possible, giving delegates the chance to put the theory into practice under the guidance of an experienced plant instructor.

Assessment and certification

This NPORS Telescopic Handler course is assessed through a combination of classroom-based theory and hands-on practical training. Learners complete a written theory quiz to check their understanding of safe operation and legislation, followed by a practical skills assessment where they must operate the telehandler safely and competently.

Delegates who meet the required standard in both parts of the assessment successfully complete the course and receive the NPORS Telescopic Handler (N010) certification.

Entry requirements and additional information

To attend this course, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, in good physical health, and capable of meeting the demands of practical training, including climbing on and off the plant and working outdoors in typical site conditions. An adequate level of spoken and written English is required to fully engage with the course content and assessments. There are no formal qualification requirements, although any previous exposure to plant or construction work will be beneficial.

This course can also be delivered as a COTS-accredited in-house course. In-house training can be provided either at the COTS Training centre or at customer premises, where suitable facilities and a telehandler are available. In-house training is not tied to an external awarding body syllabus, which gives COTS greater flexibility to tailor the content, examples, and emphasis to the customer’s site layout, machinery, and lifting requirements.

PPE requirements

For the practical session, delegates must wear suitable personal protective equipment. This includes:

• Safety footwear
• Suitable work clothing (long-sleeved top and trousers)
• Hard hat
• High-visibility vest or jacket

Any extra or site-specific PPE requirements will be confirmed before the course date.

Why choose COTS Training for NPORS Telescopic Handler training?

Choosing COTS for NPORS Telescopic Handler training means delegates are taught by experienced plant instructors who understand both the NPORS scheme and the realities of operating telehandlers on busy sites and yards. Training is delivered in a clear and supportive way, with time set aside for questions, discussion, and practical exercises.

By the end of the course, the aim is that every delegate has the confidence to carry out pre-use checks, manoeuvre a telehandler safely on varied terrain, handle loads accurately, and work in line with site rules and best practice.

NPORS Telescopic Handler (N010) course FAQs