Hinckley NWSLC apprentices benefit from equipment donation

Pic: NWSLC Hinckley lift truck and powered access technicians have received free tools and equipment from a powered access body. Apprentices at the Harrowbrook Campus of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) received a SpanSet harness and lanyard kit and a Screwfix voucher worth GBP50.

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) provided the equipment so that the apprentices may use them in their roles. UK Market General Manager for IPAF Richard Whiting said: “It’s fantastic to see these apprentices progressing so well on their journey to fully qualified engineers specialising in mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). “This kind of training is specific to our industry and helps to formally recognise existing talent while attracting new people into a career in powered access.

“The team at NWSLC are doing a fantastic job in delivering the provision to support this apprenticeship, for which there is evidence of growing demand.”

Richard returned to NWSLC to catch up with the apprentices, who were among the first in the UK to start the Lift Truck and Powered Access programme following its launch in 2021.

The apprentices work for businesses that include Access Engineering, Versalift, Mainline Group, 1 Up Access, Horizon Platforms, CTE UK Ltd, Speedy Hire, Southern Platforms, GT Access, Sunbelt Rentals, Summit Platforms and Nationwide Platforms. They are developing their skills in the service, repair and maintenance of lift trucks and powered access vehicles widely used in industries, including logistics, manufacturing, construction, and engineering.

IPAF promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. The lift truck and powered access apprenticeship, which leads to a Level 3 qualification, see apprentices across the UK attending college for two weeks every ten weeks on a block release basis.

The classroom-based theory runs at the specialist automotive MIRA Technology Institute Campus, with practical workshop sessions occurring at its Harrowbrook Campus.

Chris Tullin, Assistant Principal Curriculum for 14-16, Workplace and Supported Learning, said: “We are delighted with the progress of our apprentices as part of this new standard. “It is critically important to the mechanical handling industry and marks a step-change in the type and quality of skills delivery that businesses can expect. “We are grateful to Richard Whiting from IPAF for his support and the generous donation of equipment to our apprentices.”

The lift truck and powered access apprenticeships help engineers at all stages of their skills development.

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