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MEWP technician apprenticeship in high demand

The first wave of inductions to a new specialist apprenticeship aimed at certifying MEWP technicians that was developed with assistance from the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is complete, with 10 places now confirmed.

IPAF’s UK & Ireland Market General Manager Richard Whiting. Submitted photo

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.

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.

“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,” said IPAF’s UK & Ireland Market General Manager Richard Whiting. “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.