Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Lift Truck Training

Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Forklift Trucks are a specialist load handling machine type, which as the name suggests, are designed for use in warehouses and distribution centres with extremely narrow aisles.

They are an essential tool in warehouse operations where maximising storage space is the goal. They can operate in areas using just half the space required of a traditional Counterbalance forklift truck.

Unlike other machines, VNA forklifts have a turret head or pivoting forks that can rotate 180 degrees, which enables the operator to place or retrieve loads on either side of the aisle without needing to turn the truck. They often have impressive lift heights making them ideal for high racking systems.

Types of Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Lift Truck

There are two main types of VNA truck:

Man-Up Trucks: The operators cab rises with the palletised load, giving the operator very good visibility and control over load placement.

Man-Down Trucks: The operator will remain at ground level, while the forks rise to place or retrieve their load.

Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) are officially categorised as ABA Groups F1 & F2.

At Heads of the Valleys Training, we offer forklift training for all machine types.

Very Narrow Aisle (VNA): Course Objectives

By the end of our VNA Lift Truck course, candidates will be able to discuss and demonstrate the following:

• Safe and efficient operation of a VNA lift truck within the workplace, including their duties under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the risks associated with truck use
• Pre-use inspection, appropriate maintenance tasks and reporting processes
• Authorisation to operate arrangements
• Causes of instability of the truck and load

Courses At Our Training Centre

At our training centre in Abergavenny, we have a dedicated forklift truck training area, along with classrooms, amenities, and more. Our forklift courses run every week, and we can accommodate dates to best suit your availability.

Courses At Customer Premises: In-House Training

We are able to complete VNA Lift Truck training at your site with a maximum of 3 trainees per course. This can be accredited to either RTITB or in-house standards.

Courses at your premises will allow operators to become familiar with the exact machine they will be operating, in surroundings that they are comfortable with.

For us to carry out VNA training at your premises, you will need to provide the following:

• a machine in full working order for the duration of the course
• an area suitable for operators to use the machine, along with pallets or loads for transporting and stacking
• an area suitable for theory elements and paperwork to be completed

Our instructors can tailor training for you and are able to travel across South Wales and Nationwide.

Please get in touch with us to discuss your bespoke requirements. 

RTITB Accredited Training

VNA operator training can be accredited to RTITB standard, the leading awarding body for industrial machinery in the UK.

RTITB licences are valid for 3 years before refresher training is required.

• RTITB Novice Operator, 5 days – for those who have never used or have very limited experience using a VNA lift truck
• RTITB Experienced Operator, 3 days – for those who are using forklifts regularly but do not already hold a qualification
• RTITB Conversion, 1 day – for those who already have a forklift licence, looking at adding additional forklift qualifications
• RTITB Refresher, 1 day – for those looking to renew their current or existing qualification

Upskilling Your Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Lift Truck Licence

Once you have your VNA Lift Truck licence, you may wish to explore other similar courses such as Reach Forklift Truck or Counterbalance Forklift Truck.

You are able to complete shorter conversion courses to these machine types, as the knowledge and skill set is largely transferable.

Duration: Dependent on Experience

Cost: from £168

View Availability →