About us

Forward Step Training Ltd focuses on preparing individuals for employment and upskilling the workforce. With experienced experts, we deliver tailored solutions to ensure clients are well-equipped for success in the evolving job landscape.

Whether you’re an employer seeking to upskill your team, supporting individuals who are unemployed, or an individual looking to advance your career, we have tailored solutions for you.

At Forward Step Training, we’re on a mission to make a positive impact on lives and businesses through transformative training programmes. Guided by our core values of excellence, impact, integrity, innovation, and empowerment, we strive to deliver outstanding solutions that yield real results.

With fully equipped forklift training centres in Birmingham, along with a dedicated team of highly qualified trainers across the West Midlands and the North West, we offer flexible, tailored regional support to meet individual and business needs.

Passionate about creating opportunities, we’re committed to enhancing career prospects for everyone—whether you’re an unemployed learner looking to boost your skills or a business aiming to upskill your workforce. Our commercial and government-funded pre-employment and workforce upskilling programmes are designed to meet the needs of diverse learners and organisations.

Our Core Values

Excellence

We are committed to delivering excellence in all our training and development programmes. We strive for the highest standards of quality, ensuring that our learners and employer clients receive exceptional service and achieve their desired outcomes.

Impact-driven

We are passionate about creating a positive impact on the lives of our learners and the success of our employer clients. Our training and development initiatives are designed to make a real difference, empowering individuals to advance in their careers and businesses to thrive.

Integrity

We conduct our business with utmost integrity and transparency. Trust is the foundation of our relationships with learners, clients, and partners, and we uphold ethical practices in all aspects of our operations.

Innovation

Embracing innovation, we continuously explore new methods and approaches to enhance our training programmes. We stay at the forefront of industry advancements to provide cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the workforce.

Empowerment

We empower individuals and organisations to reach full potential through personalised training, ongoing support, and tailored solutions. This helps learners succeed and businesses optimise capabilities.

Meet the Team

Connect with one of our advisors today to discover how we can assist you.

I, like many people, set out with a career path in mind. I always wanted to help others in some guise, but never planned to work within the world of training. Having worked within many different roles in different training organisations for the last 25 years, I have been fortunate to gain skills that have enabled me to have the opportunity to build my own business and team, taking all the best elements that I have learnt across the way.

Everyone at Forward Step Training has a dedicated passion for supporting people out of work and in work, to move towards their goals and aspirations.

We pride ourselves in 'going that little bit extra' and helping people to move forward one step at a time

Julie Duckett- Day Managing Director

I'm Steven Savory, a versatile professional with a rich journey spanning various roles. From customer service and caregiving to property maintenance and warehousing, I've honed my skills and qualifications. Now, as a certified instructor, my passion lies in empowering individuals through tailored learning experiences.

Join me at Forward Step Training as I continue to teach safe MHE operation and nurture personal growth.

Steven Savory Centre Manager and Lead RTITB Instructor and Trainer

With a career in education since 2017, I've been dedicated to making learning accessible. From one-on-one support for excluded students to working with learners with special needs, my passion for inclusion and tailored education runs deep.

Education is the key to success, and I'm committed to unlocking it for all learners at Forward Step Training.

Kelly Dootson Quality and Process Manager

Hi, I’m Suky. With experience across industries like Further Education, Employability, Recruitment, Traineeships, and Apprenticeships, I’ve always been passionate about working closely with employers to meet their recruitment, training, and upskilling needs.

At Forward Step Training, I’m committed to establishing long-term relationships with employers, whether regional or national, to support their goals. I love thinking outside the box and finding adaptable solutions that benefit both learners and businesses.

Together with my dedicated team, I work to ensure that learners and employers alike experience lasting partnerships, where we continually strive to find new avenues for collaboration. I’m excited to be part of a company that’s always looking to make a meaningful difference, shaping futures and building careers.

Suky Kaur-Bhatti Employer Relationship Manager

Hi everyone, I am Maria.

I started life in the big wide world not knowing what I wanted to do, then one day someone suggested I look at working in the care sector. Due to my caring for family members, I did this and what do you know, it helped me see my opportunities in life. One main reason is I love meeting others and getting a sense of achievement.

I was fortunate to have a tutor who saw this in me and pushed me to be where I am today. I have worked with training providers and colleges and built up my skills along the way. This is now my turn to do the same for others.

Maria Peart

Trainer/ Practitioner

Hi guys.... I’m Mams.

I have over 20 years of pleasure working as a Tutor. It is what I love to do and when you come along to FST hopefully you will have a chance of experiencing teaching like you have never seen before. I believe learning should be fun and interesting whilst ensuring your learning style is catered for.

No matter your background or abilities, I guarantee that you will develop in more ways than expected

Mams Rashid

Tutor

My name is Mick Mcfarlane, and I am passionate about empowering individuals to grow both professionally and personally. With over eight years of experience as an RTITB instructor, I bring a seasoned approach to the learning process, ensuring that each learner's unique needs are met.

My background includes working on large-scale projects like HS2 and in one of the biggest warehouses in Europe, where I gained extensive industry knowledge. I'm excited to bring this expertise to our team and contribute to the success of our learners.

Mick McFarlane

RTITB Instructor

Hello, I'm Kyle Savory, an RTITB Instructor dedicated to delivering top-quality forklift training to ensure learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for workplace safety and efficiency.

From welcoming learners to providing practical and engaging instruction, I strive to create a supportive environment where training feels both accessible and rewarding. Alongside my instructional role, I also contribute to the smooth running of operations, including assisting with enquiries and maintaining safety standards.

Kyle Savory

RTITB Instructor

Hello all, my name is Nick, and my role is Enrolment and Learner Engagement Officer. Plants are my passion, as I enjoy watching life grow into new beginnings. I also enjoy talking, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask – I'm here to help!

Nick Peart-Hayne

Enrolment and Learner Engagement Officer

Hi, I’m Darren! With over a decade of experience in the welfare-to-work industry, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various roles, from multi-functional trainer to Employment Coach and Recruitment Coordinator. I’ve managed AEB contracts, built strong partnerships with employers in sectors like security, hospitality, warehousing, and retail, and worked closely with Restart providers and job centres across Birmingham and the Black Country.

What I’m most passionate about is creating opportunities for individuals to succeed—whether through the training we offer, the partnerships we build, or the support we provide to employers. I’m here to make sure everyone gets the most out of our programmes and to help make a positive impact in the community.

Darren Carpenter Regional Engagement & Partnership Manager

Hello, my name is Gary. I am an RTITB instructor with over 20 years of experience as a forklift operator on various trucks.

I am committed to passing on my knowledge and skills to both inexperienced and experienced forklift operators. My goal is to provide the highest quality training, ensuring learners are well-equipped to secure employment in the future.

I am approachable, calm, and dedicated to making learners feel at ease. I tailor my teaching to meet each learner's individual needs, ensuring they get the most out of their training. At Forward Step Training, I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where every learner feels valued and confident in their abilities. I'm excited to help you take the next step in your career!

Gary Wood

RTITB Instructor and Trainer

Hello, My name is Kevin.

I bring over 35 years of experience driving forklift trucks and 30 years in Health and Safety. Having worked across warehouses, dispatch and stores areas, as well as stockyards, I’ve gained a wealth of hands-on knowledge.

I’m passionate about sharing this experience with both new and seasoned drivers, delivering training that not only builds skills but also boosts confidence. My goal is to provide high-quality training that supports each learner’s individual needs, helping them operate safely and efficiently in the workplace.
<br. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to becoming a skilled forklift operator!

Kevin Baker

RTITB Instructor

Hello, I’m Jonathon, and I'm thrilled to be part of Forward Step Training. With over a decade of experience in multimedia, specialising in digital marketing, I'm deeply committed to our ongoing work and passionate about our growth and impact as we continue to drive meaningful change.

Jonathon Richardson

Marketing and Promotions Manager