Nationwide Platforms has enhanced its training offering by developing an online version of IPAF’s MEWPs for Managers course to ensure customers are able to receive vital working at height training in a safe and interactive environment during COVID-19.
Collaborating with the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and leading UK construction contractor Skanska, the online course utilises Microsoft’s video conferencing platform, Teams, to allow those who supervise or plan working at height activities to remotely receive the training from the comfort and safety of their home or office.
The use of Teams, over the standard web-based format, allows for Nationwide Platforms’ trainer to replicate all elements of the course that would normally be carried out in the classroom. The trainer is also able to interact with the delegates and answer any questions or queries they might have as well as provide feedback specific to their learning. There is also the possibility of stimulating group discussions and debates as well as to accommodate smaller breakout sessions if required.
Billy Roden, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager at Skanska UK, said: “We have been really impressed with how Nationwide Platforms has worked with us to deliver exactly what we wanted. Although the main driver behind this course was the result of COVID-19, the benefits of having team members up in say Scotland take part in the same training with members down in London cannot be overstated. By creating a conductive and interactive environment for them to receive their training, discuss safety and share best practices is the real benefit and something that we see as a long-term solution going forward.”
Dan Smith, UK Training Director at Nationwide Platforms, added: “Part of being a market leader in working at height training means we are constantly looking for innovative, dynamic and, at times, outside of the box solutions for our customers. While the standard eLearning version may provide the same content, it isn’t able to generate the group sessions and discussions - which is a crucial learning element to this course. We are confident that our latest offering not only allows delegates to take advantage of our industry-leading training from the comfort of their home or place of work, but excitingly, it’s something they can now do from anywhere around the world.”
After overcoming various challenges around IT, security and fraud prevention as well as successfully demonstrating the course met the required standards, it has been validated and approved by IPAF.
Peter Douglas, CEO and Managing Director of IPAF, said: “In this current climate we welcome any initiatives that promotes MEWP safety while also safeguarding delegates. We have worked very closely with Nationwide Platforms to ensure the highest levels of training have been provided and are delighted that they are able to offer its customers a solution at a time like this.”
Last year Nationwide Platforms retained its position as the world’s largest IPAF provider after training more than 15,000 delegates.
The company was forced to suspend its training earlier this year following the outbreak of COVID-19 however it has since reopened 25 centres throughout the UK. Its latest online MEWPs for Managers course will now be added to the company’s range of working at height and MEWP operator training and, if required, can now be delivered worldwide.