The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) has announced the creation of a new apprenticeship scheme for the forklift industry.

Working in collaboration with the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA), the initiative will see the development of one single training programme to cover the entire UK. The organisations hope by providing a united front, they will go some way to closing the serious skills gap that threatens the industry. 

The scheme will be delivered by a new company formed by the two associations. The FLTA stated key components of the old initiative will remain, including a £1,500 government grant. In addition, successful candidates would still receive the same qualifications at the end of the course.

FLTA chairman Geoff Martin commented: "The timing is crucial because we want to attract high calibre young people who, even now, are considering their education and career options."

The new initiative is not the first time the two organisations have joined forces. Ten years ago, they helped create the material handling industry's accredited scheme for thorough examination. This policy has allowed 400 companies to become accredited.