Forklift Labour Position in Mississauga: What to Expect on the Job

Are you thinking about getting a forklift labour position at one of Mississauga’s busy warehouses? The timing couldn’t be better! With online shopping booming and more companies setting up warehouses in the area, there are plenty of jobs to choose from.

In 2024, you can earn between $19 and $28 per hour, plus great benefits. Many companies are offering signing bonuses too. Whether you’re new to the field or have some experience, there’s room for you in this growing industry.

The Greater Toronto Area has become Canada’s biggest hub for warehouses, and Mississauga is right at the heart of it. Let’s look at what the job is really like and what you need to succeed in this fast-moving field.

What You Need to Get Started as a Forklift Labour

Getting started is pretty simple. You’ll need a forklift license from a good training school. These courses take about 2-3 days and cost $150-$300. The license is good for three years. Most companies also want to see your high school diploma. 

Some might ask for a drug test and police check. Once you have these basics, you’re ready to apply! Many training centers in Mississauga offer weekend classes, making it easy to get certified while keeping your current job.

The best part is that some employers will pay back your training costs after you’ve worked with them for a few months. Some places even offer in-house training programs where you can learn to drive different types of forklifts.

Pay and Benefits Structure

Working in a forklift labour position mostly comes with good pay and nice extras. Here’s what most companies offer:

• Health and dental care after 3 months
• Life insurance
• Money for retirement (RRSP matching)
• 2 weeks paid vacation to start
• Extra pay for overtime
• Monthly bonuses for good work
• Employee assistance programs

Most warehouses give shift premiums – usually $1-3 extra per hour for evening shifts and $2-4 for night shifts. If you’re good at your job and have perfect attendance, you could earn bonus pay every month.

Some places offer quarterly bonuses based on warehouse performance too. Many companies now provide free uniforms and safety gear, saving you money on work clothes.

What are Your Daily Responsibilities?

You’ll do much more than just drive around. Your day typically starts with a safety check of your forklift. You’ll inspect the tires, forks, controls, and safety features. Then you might load or unload trucks, move pallets to different areas, or pick orders for shipping.

Most warehouses now use computer tablets to track items, so you’ll need to be comfortable with basic tech stuff. You’ll work with a team to keep things moving smoothly. Speed matters, but safety always comes first. Many workers find the job satisfying because you can see the results of your work right away.

You’ll also help keep the warehouse organized, report any safety issues, and sometimes train new team members.

Technology and Equipment You’ll Use

Modern warehouses use lots of cool technology. You’ll work with:

• Electric and propane forklifts
• Reach trucks for high shelves
• Order pickers
• Pallet jacks
• Handheld scanners
• Warehouse management software
• Inventory tracking systems
• Safety monitoring devices

Learning these tools makes you more valuable to employers. Many warehouses are starting to use automated systems, but skilled forklift drivers are still essential. The more types of equipment you can handle, the more chances you have to earn extra money and move up in your career.

Staying Safe and Healthy as a Forklift Labourer

Safety is the top priority in warehouse work. You’ll get thorough training on how to lift properly and avoid strain. Modern forklifts have comfortable seats and controls to reduce fatigue. The warehouses have good lighting, marked paths for forklifts, and safety mirrors at corners. You’ll wear steel-toe boots, a high-visibility vest, and sometimes safety glasses.

Some places even give you special gear for winter work in cold storage areas. Regular safety meetings keep everyone up to date on best practices. Most warehouses now have special zones for pedestrians and clear rules about speed limits and right-of-way.

Moving Up in Your Career

Taking a job as a forklift operator is the first step to many possible career paths. Eventually, you might progress to the position of a lead hand who is responsible for training recruits or overseeing one of the departments in the warehouse.

Many of the senior supervisors started their careers in companies by operating forklifts. Some of the companies will cover the cost of extra courses in warehouse management and safety coordination.

If you have good people skills you can work as a team leader or a shift supervisor. Some of the operators move up and become involved in specialized activities such as inventory control and quality assurance. The most important aspect is to be proactive and continually seek to acquire new abilities. A good number of organizations tend to promote individuals already within their ranks, hence performing well can actually bear rewards.

What It’s Like at Work

Today’s warehouses are great places to work. They’re clean, well-lit, and temperature-controlled. You get proper break rooms with microwaves and fridges. Most places have free coffee and vending machines. You’ll work with people from all backgrounds, making the job interesting and fun. Many companies have team events and recognition programs.

Some even offer gym memberships or wellness programs. The schedule is usually steady, and you’ll know your shifts well in advance. Most places offer some flexibility with start times and break schedules.

Getting a forklift labour position today means joining an industry that’s growing fast and values its workers. The job is stable, pays well, and gives you plenty of room to grow. Keep learning about new safety rules and warehouse technology. With hard work and a good attitude, you can build a rewarding career in this booming field. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change, forklift operation offers a solid future in Mississauga’s thriving warehouse sector.