In 2022, IPAF President Karin Nars launched the 'Women in Powered Access' initiative, inviting women of all ages and different professional roles to share their stories of inclusivity. The initiative includes a number of key actions, including providing a platform to tell the stories of women in powered access in both the media and at industry events. IPAF will also use its own print, web and social media platforms to share these inspirational case studies and will also continue to invite prominent women speakers to present at IPAF events. IPAF will share a series of case studies at  www.ipaf.org/casestudy to communicate the opportunities our industry offers women. 

What is your role in powered access? I am the External Training Manager for UK Training at Nationwide Platforms. I oversee the day-to-day function of the department including sales, operations and compliance.

How did you come into this industry and what attracted you to it? I came into the industry in January 2019 by complete chance. I applied for a job within the External Training department for a training co-ordinator position that was advertised, and at that time five years ago I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my working life, and I took a chance in an industry I knew nothing about. So, I can’t say anything attracted me to the industry, but I can say that as soon as I started working with the industry and Nationwide Platforms, I was hooked, and I couldn’t be happier with that choice I made.

What do you find inspiring about your role? Working within the powered access industry feels like big a community where everyone is concerned for each other’s safety. I absolutely love the passion and dedication people have not only for their roles but for sharing ideas and innovation to promote safety – it is so inspiring to me, and my role allows me to be a contributor to that which is amazing.

Where do you see yourself in five years and what do you want to achieve? I see myself within the powered access industry, still involved with training and hopefully still with Nationwide Platforms. There are a lot of amazing things happening in the training department now and I want to continue building on and adding to that.

What one piece of advice would you give to other women in/thinking of entering the industry? Don’t let the male dominance of the industry put you off. Don’t let the lack of knowledge coming into the industry put you off. You will be surrounded by experts in their field who want to impart their knowledge – take it! Most of all, have complete confidence in yourself, in your abilities and always challenge yourself, even if it scares you a bit!