Reach Stacker Licence Course (3 days) – Onsite

3-day course (face-to-face) + Pre-study and homework (read the Learner Guide and complete Part A of the activity book at home) before attending the face-to-face training session.

Doesn’t suit you?

Talk to us. We may be able to customise the course duration or discuss weekend course options.

To enrol, you must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Able use English and maths for safety, training, and assessment – reading, writing, communicating. Complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and digital (LLND) skills assessment (or discuss your LLND capability with us so we can review it to ensure you are enrolling in a suitable course)
• Be in good health and fitness
• Reside in Victoria, or have valid reasons for applying for a licence there
• Hold a valid visa to study with us (if not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident)

Course topics include:

• Planning and preparing for reach stacker operations
• Checking the work area and ground conditions
• Identifying hazards and applying risk controls
• Conducting pre-start safety checks
• Operating the reach stacker safely
• Lifting, moving and placing containers (including heavy and uneven loads)
• Stacking and de-stacking containers to different heights and positions
• Manoeuvring the reach stacker in a range of conditions
• Parking, shutting down and securing the reach stacker
• Using communication methods such as hand signals and radios
• Following WHS/OHS safety rules
• Responding to problems or unsafe situations

Try these sample course document pages and attempt completing our LLND assessment:

• LLND assessment
• Learner guide – read pages that explain reach stacker safety procedures.
• Activity book – try completing the sample activity book pages.

Yeah, I can do it OK. But I have some other concerns I want to discuss.

All good – please reach out to us and talk about any specific learning needs, limitations, support requirements, wellness concerns or disabilities. We may be able to assist you or guide you in the right direction.

Course fees are listed on the current fee schedule.
(WorkSafe licence fee is paid separately via My WorkSafe portal or Australia Post.)

• Current photo ID
• Wear: long pants, closed-toe shoes, suitable shirt.
• PPE provided: high-vis clothing, hard hat (or bring your own if preferred)

What is a reach stacker?

A reach stacker is a large powered lifting vehicle used to lift, move and stack shipping containers. It uses an extendable boom and spreader to lift containers from the top and can move and stack them in different rows and heights. Reach stackers are commonly used in ports, freight terminals and container yards. Reach stacker means powered mobile plant that incorporates a non-slewing boom with a permanently fitted lifting frame where the only means of lifting is by twist locks; and is designed for raising and lowering shipping containers and moving them horizontally; but does not include a shore-based container handling gantry crane

What does this licence cover?

The scope of work for this licence covers the operation of reach stackers with a capacity of more than 3 tonnes.

Does this licence cover forklifts or other plant?

No. The RS licence only covers reach stackers with a capacity over 3 tonnes. To operate other high-risk equipment such as forklifts, cranes or order pickers, you must hold the correct licence for that plant type.

Can I do this course without prior reach stacker experience?

Yes. The course is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience. However, you will need to meet the course selection criteria, including language, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.

Do I get my licence immediately after the course?

Not immediately. After you successfully complete both the unit of competency and the WorkSafe licence assessment, you will receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA) by email. You must then lodge your NOA through the MyWorkSafe portal or at Australia Post within 60 days and pay the required licence fee. WorkSafe will issue the physical licence card after that process.

Can I do the course on weekends or part-time?

We may offer weekend or customised delivery options depending on availability and demand. If the standard 3-day options do not suit you, talk to us — we’re happy to explore alternatives with you.

You can find detailed information about the course, unit requirements, and outcomes through the following:

1. TLILIC0011 Licence to operate a reach stacker (greater than 3 tonnes capacity)
   This outlines the unit requirements we train and assess you on before you can proceed with the licence assessment.
2. Course information
   This document includes an overview of the course structure, delivery, and assessment.
3. Resources tab
   Don’t forget to read the documents under the resources tab. They contain important details about fees and refunds, complaints procedures, the support services we offer, your rights, re-assessment opportunities, and what you need to know before you enrol.
4. You can also contact us directly if you have questions.

We offer this course at external venues.