The industrial sector in Malta is growing tremendously, and there are high chances of employment in this field as a skilled forklift operator. The need to have qualified material handling professionals has never been this high as the country continues to position itself as a European logistics hub.
If you are an experienced forklift operator seeking new challenges or are thinking of venturing into this stable career sector, Malta has good salaries, a wide range of working conditions and a great career development. This guide will take you through all the information you should know about the forklift operator jobs in Malta in 2025.
Why Malta is Ideal for Forklift Operators
Malta is strategically located in the Mediterranean, and this makes it a major transit point of goods between Europe, Africa and the Middle East. This geographical benefit has seen many foreign firms set up distribution centers and manufacturing units on the island.
The fact that the country is a member of the European Union also gives workers extra advantages such as harmonized safety requirements and accepted certifications that are accepted in all EU member states. To the forklift operators, it implies that your experience and qualifications in Malta will be greatly appreciated in Europe.
The economy of Malta has been very resilient and there is a lot of logistics and manufacturing sector that contributes to the national GDP. This stability in the economy is reflected in job security and constant demand of skilled operators.
Industries Hiring Forklift Operators
Manufacturing Sector
The manufacturing sector in Malta includes pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles and food processing. Other companies such as Playmobil, ST Microelectronics, and other pharmaceutical companies are recurrently in search of skilled forklift operators to take charge of their warehouse activities and support their production lines.
Logistics and Distribution
The largest container terminal in the Mediterranean, the Malta Freeport, has hundreds of forklift drivers. Also, there are companies such as DHL, FedEx, and local logistics companies that have large operations which demand competent material handling professionals.
Construction and Building Materials
The current construction boom in Malta has generated a large demand in forklift operators within the building supply companies, concrete manufacturing and construction equipment suppliers. These jobs usually come with work diversity and competitive remuneration packages.
Retail and Wholesale
Forklift operators are needed by large retailers and wholesale distributors in managing their inventory, replenishing their stocks, and fulfilling their orders. This industry has regular shifts and possibilities of promotions to supervisor positions.
Essential Qualifications and Certifications
Basic Requirements
In Malta, every forklift driver should have a valid forklift license with a certified training provider. The procedure of certification usually lasts 3-5 days and involves the assessment of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The candidates should be aged 18 years and above, have a clear driving record, and have the basic literacy and numeracy levels. Other employers might need extra health examinations or background checks.
Advanced Certifications
Certification of specialized equipment can make you earn more. It would be worth getting licenses on:
- Order pickers and reach trucks
- Various capacity counterbalance forklifts
- Unpaved and telehandler machinery
- Training on warehouse management system (WMS)
Language Requirements
Although English is a common language in the business world in Malta, it helps to know some basic Maltese language. English is the major language used in many international companies, and thus, this is a market that can be easily accessed by foreign workers.
Salary Expectations and Benefits
Entry-Level Positions
Entry level salaries of new forklift operators in Malta are between 16,000 and 18,000 Euros per year. Such jobs usually have simple benefits like health cover and paid leave.
Experienced Operators
Experienced operators of 2-5 years earn salaries ranging between 18,000 and 22,000 per annum. The ones having specialized equipment certifications or supervisory experience can earn up to 25000 euros a year.
Premium Positions
The most experienced forklift operators, team leaders and those in a specialized industry such as pharmaceuticals or high-tech manufacturing can receive between 25,000 and 30,000 euros or more, depending on the duties and the size of the company.
Additional Benefits
There are a lot of employers who provide a wide range of benefits such as:
- Dental insurance and health insurance
- Pay opportunities of overtime work
- Training and development program
- Performance bonuses
- Pension contributions of the company
Top Employers and Job Opportunities
Malta Freeport Corporation
The Freeport is the main container terminal in Malta and therefore has plenty of forklift operator jobs that pay well and have great benefits. The facility is on a 24/7 schedule, which offers possibilities of different shifts.
Playmobil Malta
This German based toy company has a substantial production plant in Malta where it is constantly recruiting forklift operators to support the warehouse and production functions. The company provides a stable job and chances of career growth.
Pharmaceutical Companies
Malta has a number of foreign pharmaceutical firms that have specialized plants that need qualified forklift drivers. The salaries in these positions are usually high because of the regulated industry.
Local Logistics Companies
Such companies as Bezzina Group, Vassallo Group, and Central Link offer a wide range of opportunities in the area of construction materials, retail distribution, and logistics services.
Application Process and Tips
Job Search Strategies
Use the main job sites in Malta such as Jobs.mt, CVMalta.com and Konnekt.com.mt. There are also numerous companies that advertise on LinkedIn and company websites.
Build up contacts in the industrial community in Malta by visiting trade fairs, professional associations and networking with existing employees in your target firms.
Resume Preparation
Point out pertinent certifications, safety history and experience with particular types of equipment. Any multilingual skills should be mentioned as well as the safety awareness and reliability.
Measure your success when you can, e.g. “Kept 100 percent safety record during 3 years” or “Handled 500+ shipments per day with zero damage cases.”
Interview Preparation
Be ready to explain your safety philosophy, the experience with various types of forklifts, and the possibility to work in team settings. Most employers will do a practical test, and thus be up to date with your skills.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Supervisory Roles
Skilled forklift drivers may become warehouse supervisor, shift leader or training coordinator. These positions normally demand 3-5 years of experience and excellent leadership qualities.
Specialized Training
Get other certifications in crane operation, warehouse management or health and safety to widen your employment opportunities. Most employers will reimburse tuition as a way of encouraging further education.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
The expanding economy of Malta presents a chance to established operators to open equipment rental or logistical support firms.
Work-Life Balance in Malta
Malta provides a high standard of living, all year round Mediterranean climate, rich culture and many leisure activities. The small size of the island implies that commutes are short, and the lifestyle is relaxed, which is ideal in terms of work-life balance.
The good worker protection laws in the country provide fair treatment, good working hours as well as vacation. The majority of enterprises honor conventional lunch breaks and do not have high expectations regarding the overtime work.
Marketing Outlook and Prospects of the Industry
The logistics industry in Malta is expected to expand between 15-20 percent in the next five years, owing to the rise in trade volumes and distribution centers. This expansion will open hundreds of new jobs of forklift operators in different industries.
The field is being transformed by technological changes, especially with more automation and digital inventory systems that require operators to be up to date with new technologies. Nevertheless, human operators are still needed in case of complex tasks and decision-making.
The need of electric forklift operators is being created by environmental regulations, which provides an opportunity to those trained on battery powered equipment.
Your Next Steps to Success
The job market of forklift operators in Malta is a great opportunity to get a well-paying job with a stable income. The good economic growth, the strategic position and the presence of a variety of industries provide a good environment to develop career.
Begin by getting the right certifications, researching on the targeted employers and preparing a good application package. It is possible to contact recruitment agencies that specialize in industrial jobs as they can provide access to opportunities that are not advertised.
The secret of success is in constant learning, keeping high safety records, and developing professional contacts within the industrial community of Malta. A forklift operator is a good career choice in the growing Maltese economy and with commitment and the right attitude, you can make it a rewarding career.
