The International Powered Access Federation is inviting young people to learn about the access industry at the Intermat construction show in Paris, April 20-25. Job Access will be the focus of the IPAF stand E5 J 020 in the outdoor area.
Visitors will see platforms in action, including demonstrations to illustrate the dangers of not wearing a full body harness when operating a boom-type mobile elevating work platform, using a real-weight dummy on a specially modified Skyjack boom. The large demonstration area has been made possible by the Intermat organizers, in line with their theme of encouraging youth and building the future.
IPAF is also developing an engineering apprenticeship designed to lead to a “technician” level qualification. A sub-group led by Roger Bowden, chairman of Niftylift and chairman of IPAF’s Manufacturers’ Technical Committee, is reviewing the draft syllabus — this with the aim of raising awareness among young people of the powered access industry as a potential career path.
“Job Access will give young people a wonderful chance to learn about the powered access business and understand the industry,” said Pascal Deher of IPAF-France, who is leading the project. “It is not every day that 18-year-olds from technical high schools can gain insight into the workings of this complex and multifaceted business.”
Schools interested in sending young people should register online at www.ipaf.org/jobaccess. They will then be given login details to complete a questionnaire. Suitable groups will be sent to the Intermat show to attend a lecture at the IPAF stand and gain practical experience of operating a platform.
The 50-minute lecture will give an introduction to the powered access industry — history, development of equipment, use of equipment, main employers in the industry (manufacturers, rental companies), main areas of employment (hydraulics, electronics, engineering, hire desk, etc.), safe operation and training.
At the end of the lecture, the attendees take a short test. A laptop will be awarded each day as a prize to the most successful participant. Attendees will also have the opportunity to test the equipment with an instructor and to watch the demonstration.
IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organization that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access. Members include manufacturers, distributors and equipment owners, including rental companies. More information is at www.ipaf.org.
