Diversity
Published: October 03, 2017
Diversity
Published: October 03, 2017

A First in FLT History: First Female to Qualify in International Competition

History has been made at PPG architectural coatings site in Morley, England. Sam Tyson, who has been an essential part of the team as a FLT (fork lift truck) operator at the Morley plant for seven years, was recently recognised as the first woman to ever qualify for the final of the International Fork Lift Truck Driver of the Year competition!

Sam made it through to the finals of the competition and has earned her place amongst the top 12 FLT drivers in the world, she is the only woman to ever reach this incredible and prestigious milestone. The competition, sponsored by RTITB (The Regulatory Body for Workplace Transport Training), a global regulatory association that monitors and trains workplace transport, attracted hundreds of competitors from across the globe.

Sam, who honed her skills as a student of Nicola Cooke, an in-house FLT mentor at the Morley site, received her top 12 recognition during the international Talent in Logistics Awards ceremony in Telford, England.

After seeing Sam's remarkably strong scores from an online exam and earning a high ranking at a regional qualifying event, Sam was fast-tracked to the final where she competed against 11 other FLT drivers and operators from around the world. The finale was no easy ride and drivers' skills were put to the ultimate test.

The set tasks and activities were carefully designed to meticulously test each candidates' levels of skill and knowledge needed for safe, accurate, and efficient forklift operation. Some tasks were even set against the clock! Activities ranged from pre-use checks and measures to manoeuvring skills and candidates' dexterity.

Upon completion, each candidate was then scored on their overall performance. Although Sam did not come first place, she has earned herself a bespoke position that is not only a milestone for PPG but one for women FLT drivers across the world. She is now part of an exclusive group of FLT operators and drivers who are certified experts in their field.

Being globally recognised as one of the best FLT operators in the world the Production Group Leader at the Morley site, Stan Firth, had this to say about his fellow employee.
We are very proud of Sam for her achievements and for representing PPG so well in front of a broad international audience. She is very good at what she does. Her ability to get the job done safely and efficiently reflects her commitment to her profession and to her job.

Sam wasn't the only star that the Morley site has produced either. Craig Powel, an FLT operator and Steve Hawkridge and FLT driver also qualified for the regional event after posting impressive scores on the online test too.  

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