When Briggs Equipment established its new Training Academy, the aim was not to add another certification provider to an already crowded market. It was to address a growing issue in workplace safety, the gap between formal qualification and real world readiness.
Too often, operators were arriving on site certified but lacking confidence, situational awareness, or practical experience. Briggs’s response was straightforward — training should reflect the environments people are actually expected to work in.
“Our goal was never just certification,” said Chris Budd, Briggs Equipment Training Manager. “We wanted people to leave here confident, capable and ready to work.”
From in-house solution to dedicated Academy
The Training Academy began by supporting Briggs’s own employees and customers, operating with a small team and limited space. As demand increased, it became clear that effective training required more than adapted warehouse areas or temporary setups.
That need led to the development of Briggs Equipment’s purpose-built Training Academy in Lisburn, which opened in 2024 following a £3.5million investment.
The 23,000 square foot facility includes indoor and outdoor practical training areas, supported by four modern classrooms. Designed to replicate real working environments, the Academy allows trainees to move naturally between theory and hands-on application. Participants train using professional equipment in layouts that mirror active warehouse and site operations, helping bridge the gap between learning and deployment.
Experience on the floor, not just in the classroom
Briggs Equipment training instructors hold recognised accreditations including AITT, IPAF, First Aid, and Driver CPC, and bring extensive experience across warehousing, logistics, construction, and manufacturing.
“I enjoy seeing people arrive nervous on day one and leave confident by the end of the week,” added Chris Budd. “That shift is what tells you the training has worked.”
Lead Training Instructor Andrew Buckley brings more than 21 years’ experience in the materials handling industry.
“Teaching isn’t just about forklifts,” said Andrew.
“Standards are important, but it comes down to one question — would I feel safe working beside this person on site?”
Assessment standards at the Academy are deliberately firm. Trainees are only passed when they meet the required level of competence.
“Seeing former trainees come back as supervisors or team leaders is incredibly satisfying,” said Chris Budd.
Training built around real operations
The Academy delivers both on-site and off-site training, adapting course content to reflect workplace layouts, equipment types, and risk profiles.
Key programmes include:
- B1 Novice Counterbalance Forklift courses
- IPAF Operator training (3a and 3b, including load and unload)
Additional courses include:
- Workplace safety awareness
- Bespoke training packages
- Driver CPC training
This flexibility allows Briggs to support organisations of all sizes, from large logistics and manufacturing businesses to smaller independent warehouses, as well as individuals seeking to improve employability.
Supporting professional drivers through CPC
Alongside operator training, the Academy delivers CPC training for professional drivers, focusing on practical application and real-world scenarios. The aim is to support compliance while reinforcing safer, more professional driving practices beyond the classroom.
Trusted partnerships and community impact
The Academy works with a wide range of clients across Ireland, including several blue-chip organisations. Many provide full access to their sites for training — a level of trust built through long-term relationships and consistent delivery.
Client feedback highlights improved operator confidence, fewer incidents, and increased productivity.
The Academy also supports employment initiatives and community outreach programmes, delivering free courses each year in partnership with charities and local organisations.
Looking ahead
Demand for training continues to grow, with plans in place to introduce additional specialist equipment courses and further enhance Academy facilities. Opportunities to replicate the Academy model in the Republic of Ireland are also being explored.
“We want to be a training provider people trust,” concludes Chris Budd. “That comes from consistency, high standards, and making sure people leave genuinely ready for work.”