IPAF certified instructors were given a preview of new learning tools that are set to rejuvenate IPAF’s full training programme for operators of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), also known as aerial work platforms (AWPs).
The new generation learning tools were the central theme at this year’s series of IPAF Professional Development Seminars (PDS), which were attended by more than 683 instructors and covered 23 countries and 8 languages.
The new tools include an eLearning theory module which delivers flexibility and interactivity, as well as an instructor-led theory course that uses the same state-of-the-art graphics, animations and learning techniques. What remains the same in IPAF’s operator training programme is the focus on practical training. Only trainees who pass a supervised theory test and a practical test are awarded a Smart PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) as proof of training.
IPAF instructors trained a record number of 145,094 people in 2015. This is an increase of 5.6% over the 137,436 people trained in 2014. Training available from IPAF-approved centres includes operator courses for which a PAL Card is issued, and harness and management courses for which a certificate is issued. IPAF issued a record 137,517 PAL Cards worldwide through its approved training centres in 2015, an increase of about 5.6% over the 130,237 PAL Cards issued in 2014.
IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman said: “For almost 150,000 people every year, IPAF instructors are the face of IPAF. Their hard work and enduring commitment has made this voluntary training programme the global success that it is today. We aim to support our instructors by building on their skills and professionalism, and providing them with innovative and top-class learning tools.”
The PDS is the annual event for IPAF certified instructors and ensures that they remain up-to-date with legislation and training. Through attending the event, instructors gain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, necessary to maintain their IPAF instructor status. This commitment to continuous learning is one of the unique features of the IPAF training programme.
