IPAF launches access recruitment drive at APEX

The organisation will be introducing several initiatives. One of these is the ‘Job Access' challenge among colleges in Europe. The federation is looking for manufacturers and rental companies to sponsor 18-year-olds from technical high schools who will be trained to operate access platforms safely and through that process, to obtain a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) as proof of training.

Job Access will culminate with a competition on the IPAF stand at the INTERMAT 2009 show, where teams of young people will have to complete various tasks using access platforms safely.

"Young people represent the future and the access industry can only benefit and continue to flourish if there is a ready pool of fresh talent in disciplines like engineering and maintenance," said Isabelle Laplume of IPAF-France, who is organising Job Access. "We look forward to working with exhibitors and sponsors on this exciting project."

IPAF will give a 30-minute presentation on Job Access at the APEX Conference on the morning of 17 September.

In addition, IPAF aims to alleviate the problem of an acute shortage of technical expertise that the access industry is facing in the coming years. An IPAF sub-group, led by Roger Bowden of Niftylift, is developing an IPAF engineering apprenticeship designed to lead to a ‘technician' level qualification.

"The powered access industry is itself young and represents a great career path for young people - all too often they are unaware of the job opportunities in this growth business," said Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director.

IPAF exhibits on stand 1145 in the Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC).

Note: IPAF holds several meetings during APEX, as follows:

IPAF Manufacturer's Technical Committee Meeting (members only) - 18 September, 9.00am

IPAF Mast Climbing Work Platform (International) Committee Meeting - 18 September, 2.00pm, MECC, Berlin Room

IPAF European Rental Forum - 18 September, 2.30pm