NES Rentals, one of the largest aerial equipment rental companies in the U.S., announced it has become an AWPT Training Center in the Chicago market and will offer operator training based on the International Powered Access Federation training program. AWPT is the subsidiary of IPAF that administers North American training programs for aerial work platforms.

NES already offers ongoing structured operator training to customers and employees, but by offering AWPT training, NES will be able to provide training that is audited and maintained by an independent third party ensuring consistency and up-to-date training. Also, NES trainees who go through the AWPT sessions will be certified with the internationally recognized Powered Access Licensed registration card.

“NES Rentals has made safety its highest priority,” said Andrew Studdert, NES Rentals chairman and CEO. “Being able to help our customers and employees achieve the goal of obtaining a PAL card through IPAF training demonstrates the commitment we have placed on upholding the highest safety and training standards.”

NES’ first AWPT Training Center opened in Des Plaines, Ill, to serve the greater Chicago area. The training center offers customer training and will conduct operator training for all branch employees who operate or occupy aerial equipment. NES will also continue to offer its manufacturer-based training.

“In our ongoing effort to give our customers the best possible products and services, it was natural for us to expand our current operator training programs with AWPT training,” said Teresa Kee, director, environmental, health and safety for NES.

“The IPAF program is unlike any other operator training program in the industry,” said AWPT’s Tony Groat. “While both IPAF and AWPT are dedicated to providing comprehensive training in the safe use of aerial work platforms and mast climbing work platforms, neither organization performs the actual training. Training is done by those members of IPAF, like NES, who have met stringent requirements and are certified as Authorized Training Centers. We provide them with the training materials, then follow up and monitor the way the actual training is conducted. It’s the only program available that has checks and balances to assure a consistent implementation of the training.”

There are three other AWPT training centers in the Chicago area, operated by Skyjack, the Sheet 3, Metal Workers’ Local Union 73, and the Construction Safety Council.