IPAF’s MEWPs for Managers delivered by remote instruction
In response to new safety requirements due to coronavirus, and following guidance given to all IPAF Training Centres, IPAF member firm Nationwide Platforms has successfully completed an online instructor-led MEWPs for Managers course for major contractor Skanska.
The course, which would normally be taught in a classroom, was held online using a video conferencing platform. The instructor-led training allows those who supervise or plan work at height to remotely receive the training from the comfort and safety of their home or office.
The instructor-led option is in addition to the individual eLearning MEWPs for Managers course that IPAF training centres can also offer and represents a new mode of remote delivery of IPAF instruction as the UK economy emerges from lockdown.
The course has the same safety advantages of the eLearning, but allows the instructor to replicate all elements of the face-to-face course that would normally be carried out in the classroom for multiple candidates at the same time.
The instructor is able to interact with the delegates and answer any questions or queries they might have, as well as provide feedback specific to their learning. This new method of training delivery also facilitates group discussions, and can even accommodate smaller breakout sessions if required.
Paul Roddis, IPAF’s Training Manager, sat in on one of the first trials of this method of delivery and says: “I was very happy with how well the course flowed. Candidates were actively involved with the instructor-led discussions and were encouraged to ask questions whenever they wanted additional clarification. It was very clear that the candidates on the course found the interaction very useful and enjoyable.
“In providing training solutions, IPAF continues to strive to meet all learners’ needs without prejudice and we know there are people that find eLearning very challenging as there is nobody there to ask questions of and to explain things in different ways that may be more easily understood. This instructor-led remote learning offers another appealing solution for training centres and candidates.”
Peter Douglas, CEO and Managing Director of IPAF, comments: “We welcome any initiative that promotes MEWP safety while also safeguarding training candidates. Many of our members delivering training are eager to return to offering courses on the scale they were doing before the pandemic, but equally they are keen to ensure this is done as safely as possible and in line with the best guidance available to minimise risk of candidates or training centre staff coming into contact with or spreading the virus.
“We think this new flexibility will be of benefit to our training providers as they look to reconfigure the way they work going forwards, and to bolster confidence that their staff and training candidates have the best range of options to allow them to undertake IPAF training with maximum confidence.”
For more information about IPAF training, including the range of courses and modules available via eLearning, please visit www.ipaf.org/training, where you can also use the searchable map function to find your nearest IPAF Training Centre.
