New MEWP apprenticeship scheme

The first wave of inductions to a new specialist apprenticeship, aimed at certifying MEWP technicians, that was developed with assistance from IPAF is complete, with ten places now confirmed.

The Level 3 Lift Truck and Powered Access Technician apprenticeship was developed to meet growing demand in the hire and maintenance industry, in which it is acknowledged that basic mechanical qualifications alone are not necessarily sufficient grounding for technicians and service personnel inspecting, maintaining and repairing specialist lifting equipment involving sophisticated battery systems, hydraulics and other systems not found in other types of plant machinery.

Richard Whiting, IPAF’s UK & Ireland market general manager

The new apprenticeship forms part of IPAF’s Roadmap to Qualified MEWP Technician or Engineer Status, and the first cohort of apprentices is now finalised, with a confirmed start date of 19 April at provider institution North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College.  

Richard Whiting, IPAF’s UK & Ireland market general manager, who led on developing the IPAF Roadmap, commented, “It is very positive that in National Apprenticeship Week this newly developed pathway to certification is already proving very popular, and that both existing employees in the powered access workforce and new recruits to our industry are set to benefit as part of this first tranche of inductees.

“We are pleased to welcome North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College as an Associate Member of IPAF, and delighted that the first cohort of service technician apprentices beginning in April is now complete, with attention turning to a second wave of inductions for September this year.

“Wider interest is such that the college is already anticipating it will extend its next intake to two full cohorts in September, so I urge any IPAF members who would like to recruit or add someone on their existing staff to this new specialist apprenticeship to get in touch with the college or visit the website for details.

“Instructors at the college are all experienced lift truck instructors and they will be upskilling and increasing their knowledge of powered access by completing their IPAF Operator training and MEWPs for Managers course. IPAF is providing the college with Andy Access Safety posters, technical guidance documents and other relevant materials, while our member firms including CTE, GT Access, Skyjack and Niftylift have all offered or provided equipment for apprentices to train on.

“We wish all the first inductees to the new apprenticeship well and offer our thanks to the college and our members for their support and generosity in helping get this vital apprenticeship off the ground.”

● Click the link for more information about the Level 3 Lift Truck and Powered Access Technician apprenticeship at North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College, on whose website you will find all the necessary information for employees or apprentice candidates.