
Are you looking for a job that not only offers stability but also attracts competitive wages and growth prospects? In the Netherlands, where the labor market is booming, the profession of forklift operator is gaining significance and becoming increasingly desirable. With the growing demand for skilled workers, holding an SOG forklift certificate opens the door to better-paying job offers and career advancement. Find out what SOG certifications are, the opportunities they offer, and the earning potential that can transform your career and open up new horizons.
What will you learn from this article?
- What is an SOG Certificate?
- SOG Forklifts and Career Opportunities
- SOG Forklift Certification and Earnings Potential
- Forklift SOG Courses at Bonapi Training Center
What is an SOG Certificate?
The SOG forklift certificate is a specialized qualification that authorizes forklift operators to work in high-risk environments, where stricter safety regulations are in place. This certification is primarily required in the Netherlands in sectors such as petrochemical, chemical industries, as well as in ports and industrial plants.
The certification system is managed by the SSVV (Stichting Samenwerken voor Veiligheid), or the Foundation for Safety Cooperation. It includes 24 organizations from key industrial sectors in the Netherlands, ensuring high standards and consistency in training.
The SOG certification aims to ensure safety in workplaces, particularly in environments where there are increased risks to the health and safety of employees. Through training and the issuance of appropriate qualifications, SOG ensures that forklift operators are adequately prepared to handle even the most challenging conditions. This contributes to minimizing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety standards in the industry.

SOG Forklifts and Career Opportunities
The SOG forklift certificate provides operators with access to many interesting career opportunities. Here are the main benefits of holding this specialized qualification.
Better employment opportunities
In the rapidly growing job market in the Netherlands, the SOG certification has become a highly valued asset. Employers in high-risk industries, such as petrochemicals, are looking for workers who are properly trained and certified according to Dutch standards. Holding an SOG forklift certification gives you an edge over other candidates and increases your chances of being hired by companies that prioritize safety, quality, and stability.
More job opportunities
Holding an SOG certificate also opens doors to various sectors that are otherwise inaccessible to individuals without the proper qualifications. This gives you access to a wider range of job offers, greater freedom in choosing employment, and the opportunity to browse the job market for the best conditions.
Employment agencies that often collaborate with companies operating in high-risk areas also prefer candidates with an SOG certificate. This allows them to match you more effectively to specialized and higher-paying assignments.
Opportunities for Advancement
In key sectors and workplaces, such as logistics and warehouses, SOG certification is a significant asset for career development. Individuals with this certification have the opportunity to take on higher positions related to management and team coordination, such as supervisor or coordinator. These roles come with additional responsibilities and greater accountability, but also higher salaries. Career growth opportunities are one of the key factors that motivate many operators to obtain the SOG certification.
Credibility and Entry in the CDR
Possessing an SOG certificate also means formal registration in the Centraal Diploma Register (CDR), or the Central Register of Qualifications. This is a Dutch database that collects information on professional qualifications and certificates. As a result, potential employers have easy access to verify the qualifications of an employee, which increases the worker’s credibility and attractiveness in the job market.

How the SOG Certification Affects Salaries
One of the biggest advantages of holding an SOG certificate is the higher salary compared to forklift operators who do not have such qualifications. Employers, especially in sectors that require high safety standards, are willing to pay more for skilled workers who are prepared to work in challenging and hazardous conditions.
Salaries for forklift operators in the Netherlands vary depending on the sector, experience, and certifications held. Operators working in warehouses or on production lines without specialized qualifications can expect to earn between €2,400 and €2,900 brutto per month.
Individuals holding an SOG certificate can expect significantly higher salaries. Jobs in the petrochemical sector offer salaries ranging from €3200 to €4400 bruto per month, depending on location, skills, and experience. Moreover, specialized positions in the petrochemical industry are often accompanied by additional benefits, such as healthcare, allowances for working in challenging conditions, and performance-based bonuses.
Job offers for forklift operators, both those with an SOG certificate and without, can be found on many popular job listing platforms, including but not limited to:
And if you’re wondering how to organize your life in the Netherlands, be sure to read our guides:
Tax changes in the Netherlands in 2024.
Forklift SOG courses at Bonapi Training Center
Do you want to obtain an SOG forklift certification and increase your professional value in the eyes of employers in the Netherlands?
At Bonapi Training Center, a certified training center in the Netherlands, we offer professional courses for:
Our training courses are conducted by experienced instructors in several languages, including Polish, English, Dutch, and Romanian. We provide participants with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that enable effective and safe work.
Thanks to hands-on training with real equipment, our participants gain valuable experience and confidence in operating forklifts under challenging conditions. This not only provides solid preparation for the exam but also ensures that, upon completion of the course, you can start working immediately. This increases your attractiveness in the job market and boosts your chances of employment in the highest-paying sectors.
Upon completing the course and passing the exam, you will receive a certificate valid for 5 years, as well as an entry in the SSVV register, which will confirm your qualifications.
SOG training and certification is a great investment in your career. Don’t wait for a better moment. Sign up for the course now and start your path to success with an SOG certificate.
Your new professional future starts here – with Bonapi Training Center!