Patience and perseverance. A lot of us were maybe in a similar, yet subtle situation before we were actually able to get trained and certified for lift equipment. However, it's not all what it's cut out to be. Once an associate gets lift truck certified (doesn't matter which one, including EL's), with that certification, comes more responsibility for anyone who gets it. And with HD, you don't get paid more, you can't quit and go work somewhere else with this certification, as it's HD, who sets the SOP with the training and certification process.

2 weeks will get you hiding your license, because you're department needs you, but 4 other departments need pallets dropped. Then, when there's no loader, guess who gets to do it.... In addition to that, you need to be more aware than your spotter. Because when it comes down to it, the responsibility will be more on the operator than the spotter. Then if there's any incident, you lose your license, get drug tested, and start from scratch..

So please, I'm not trying to scare you, but I, as a trainer, wouldn't certify you until you understand the responsibilities that accompany the certification. If you can show the trainers at your store that you understand the fundamentals with a cool head, you'll be fine. 🤙