Adopting a new approach to service operations has seen Finning UK & Ireland score a 75 per cent first time fix rate for customer equipment faults – achieved by leveraging condition monitoring technology and historic data from over 5500 remote diagnostic sessions. The remote services and diagnostic team at Finning,
Europump (the European Pump Association) which represents 15 National Associations across the continent of Europe is delighted to be staging its 2024 Annual Meeting in the UK. Hosted by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) and sponsored by WEG, this three-day event will take place at the spectacular De Vere
Industrial engine supply and service specialist Finning UK & Ireland is highlighting the important efficiency benefits – such as increased availability and reduced risk – of the Cat® Remote Fleet Vision (RFV) performance monitoring platform by introducing a new entry level pricing structure for those looking to trial the technology. Offering 24-7 insight
With the addition of new high-capacity models to sit alongside the award-winning EDiA trucks, the electric counterbalance series from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is now an even more complete solution, covering capacities from 1.4–12 tonnes. Offering huge power with no compromises to performance and precision, the 6–12-tonne FB60-120N(H) Series features best-in-class
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is introducing the grid-connected EW240 Electric Material Handler, the latest addition to its leading range of zero exhaust emission machines working towards a carbon-neutral future. This solution was developed in collaboration with one of our authorised partners. The EW240 Electric Material Handler is not only
Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, is urging operators and owners to make sure their machines are fit for the winter to continue to operate at full capacity by minimising unexpected downtime. Frost, muddy conditions and plummeting temperatures can all take a toll on machinery through excess wear
Provider of powerful AI-based water management systems elevates expectations entering 2024 As organizations around the world face rising costs related to water damage and increased focus on water sustainability, WINT Water Intelligence is building on its success in 2023 to continue solving these challenges for insurance, construction, facilities, and property
Industry-leading global provider of integrated process and mixing solutions, ProSep, has received official acknowledgment from the US Patent Office for improvements made to its recognized Annual Injection Mixer (AIM), resulting in a new patent being issued. Part of ProSep’s portfolio of differentiated technologies for higher operational performance, AIM is the
FCC Environment is putting its quarry plant operators and managers through their paces with Finning training experts to improve fuel efficiencies and cut fuel burn. More than 30 FCC machine operators and plant managers have completed the Finning Eco-Drive™ operator training programme so far, which is part of a company-wide
Leading UK powered access provider Nationwide Platforms has seen the second cohort of trainers graduate from its new IPAF trainee programme. Currently holding a 100% pass rate, the programme is designed to close the trainer skills gap and encourage younger people to become certified instructors. Jessica Taylor, Jennifer Roddis, Paulina
Adopting a new approach to service operations has seen Finning UK & Ireland score a 75 per cent first time fix rate for customer equipment faults – achieved by leveraging condition monitoring technology and historic data from over 5500 remote diagnostic sessions. The remote services and diagnostic team at Finning, the world’s largest Cat® equipment dealer, has introduced the new approach to its service operations using data from machine telematics, which is then cross referenced with historic service data to diagnose the problem remotely. This approach has radically improved the first-time fix rate for its customers – minimising machine down time and ensuring their engineers’ time is used most effectively. Over the last three years the team has facilitated a shift from offering a reactive service and support function to one that is fully proactive. Drawing on data from real-time remote diagnostic sessions – with the team conducting up to 300 each month – the engineers use this information to accurately predict asset faults and issues remotely. This enables them to take the necessary action – such as ordering the right part or parts – so that the engineer visiting the site can resolve the issue during just one site visit, ensuring the customer’s assets are returned to operations as soon as possible. Strategic Operations Manager for Finning UK & Ireland, Nikolaos Kakoudakis, said: “Having the ability to remotely diagnose an equipment fault is crucial for both us and the customer operating that equipment. For us, being able to identify the precise nature of the fault means that when the engineer goes out to site, they have the correct parts and can resolve the issue quickly for the customer. This ensures any downtime is kept to an absolute minimum, which can be costly and cause project delays. It also reduces operational inefficiencies on site. “There’s a real sense of pride among the team, who genuinely want to give our customers the very best level of servicing support and expert guidance. Everyone in the team should feel very proud of the hard work and exemplary work ethic.” The new approach has been so successful that Caterpillar®, during a recent visit to the company’s Leeds branch, awarded the team a certificate recognising their ‘excellence in condition monitoring and remote services’. Speaking about the award, Lavanya Ajesh, Managing Director at Caterpillar Commercial, Northern Europe, said: “We are focused on leveraging and optimising remote services and condition monitoring to accelerate customer satisfaction and services growth. The dedication of the Finning team towards using these tools to improve first-time fix and to drive service growth is highly commendable. Their work is helping pave the road in this journey. Congratulations and well deserved on the recognition as a best practice dealer in this field globally.” Commenting on the achievement, Chris Hepworth, General Manager for Service Operations at Finning, said: “Over the last three years, the technology and remote services team has delivered transformational results demonstrating improvement month-on-month. The team provides services to exceed our customers’ needs, from breakdowns to proactive interventions preventing failure. These results have been achieved through teamwork and collaboration with the wider service operations team. Well done to everyone involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Europump (the European Pump Association) which represents 15 National Associations across the continent of Europe is delighted to be staging its 2024 Annual Meeting in the UK. Hosted by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) and sponsored by WEG, this three-day event will take place at the spectacular De Vere Beaumont Estate near Windsor in the Royal County of Berkshire, from 22nd – 24th May. Reflecting the current Europe-wide legislative agenda, as well as numerous other topic areas of significant importance to the international pump sector, the BPMA, on behalf of Europump, has been working hard to deliver a comprehensive programme of meetings and presentations that will offer both intellectual and practical value to pump manufacturers. In addition to sessions dedicated to the activities of the various Europump Commissions – Technical, Standards, Marketing, SME, and Blueprint – several invited speakers will also share their thoughts and expertise on a range of topical issues including Digitisation and AI, Sustainability, the post Brexit political landscape and the economic standing of the worldwide pump market. The first of these invited speakers to be announced is Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive at Make UK. Taking to the stage on the morning of Friday 24th May, immediately before the General Assembly, Stephen will provide an overview of the political arena in the UK and its impact on the manufacturing sector both at home and abroad. In a somewhat timely fashion, the implications of the impending General Election in the UK will also be considered. The second speaker to be announced is Kiran Ahmed, Lead Economist, Global Industry Services at Oxford Economics. Kiran will present the key findings from the 2024 World Pump report, including the macroeconomic and industrial backdrop and how it impacts upon the international pump market. This presentation will take place during the afternoon of 23rd May as part of the Marketing Commission session. Commenting on the engagement of these headline speakers, BPMA CEO, Wayne Rose, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 2024 Annual Meeting on behalf of Europump and look forward to welcoming our international pump colleagues to this world-famous location. We have a superb business programme in place, supported by a complement of renowned expert speakers. I have no doubt our audience will be captivated by the political and economic overviews presented by Make UK and Oxford Economics, and I look forward to announcing further keynote speakers in due course, who will be addressing some of the other key topics currently affecting the pump industry.” Running in tandem with the business agenda across the three days, will be an equally engaging partner programme, which includes full use of the wonderful grounds and leisure facilities the venue has available, a visit to Windsor Castle, a river boat trip along the Thames, and two sumptuous gala dinners. Sponsored by WEG – a world leader in motor, drive, and asset management systems technology – the 2024 Annual Meeting will prove to be a must-attend event for those senior pump executives looking to successfully navigate their way through the complexities of pump manufacturing and distribution over the coming months and years. Full details on the event, including further information on the venue, its location and travel arrangements can be found on the dedicated website. The online booking system is now live, allowing delegates, and their partners, to secure their places. A promotional video, fully illustrating all aspects of the event is also available to view on the website – www.Europump2024.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Industrial engine supply and service specialist Finning UK & Ireland is highlighting the important efficiency benefits – such as increased availability and reduced risk – of the Cat® Remote Fleet Vision (RFV) performance monitoring platform by introducing a new entry level pricing structure for those looking to trial the technology. Offering 24-7 insight into asset performance, the Cat RFV platform gathers a wide range of data points from within the engine and connects these to a single remote platform for analysis – customised to individual business needs. The Cat RFV can also be connected to datapoints across the piece of equipment the engine is installed in, allowing owners to build a full picture of performance and decide how uptime can be optimised. Now Finning has made access to this technology even easier with low-cost entry level pricing. Matt Bryan, Product Support Lead – Industrial at Finning, explains: “The RFV platform is proven to offer important performance benefits for Caterpillar customers around the world. Industrial customers can benefit from an unparalleled level of visibility into how their engine is running, allowing them to make timely decisions on performance adjustments, as well as diagnose faults and share error codes with Finning to facilitate quick, first-time fix maintenance. “Alongside this fantastic depth of engine data and insight, the flexibility of the system allows it to be used to monitor key performance indicators across an entire piece of equipment – from a water pump to a rock crusher and all points in between. This means owners have just one consolidated platform for monitoring their assets.” Aggregate Processing and Recycling Limited (Agg-Pro), one of the UK’s largest suppliers of crushing, screening, washing and recycling equipment, has recently benefitted from fitting Cat RFV equipment to all engines that pass through its workshop in Tamworth. The installation of PL542 remote monitoring systems on various Cat engines, from C4.4 to C9.3, in the company’s crushing and screening units enables monitoring of engine performance, run hours, and load factors. This capability replaces the previous methods of estimating, contacting customers, or dispatching engineers for data collection. Tony Gadsby, Service Manager at Agg-Pro, expressed his delight at the benefits realised: “Having an accurate picture of engine performance and run hours makes a big difference to optimising the reliability and uptime of our operation. Whilst previously this has been difficult to obtain, the support from Finning in supplying the Cat RFV platform has made it a reality – and given us a ready-made way of offering something that our competitors can’t. “Alongside being able to give our customers better advice on engine performance, it is now possible to remotely troubleshoot issues to further minimise downtime and track assets wherever they are across the country. We are now planning on expanding the use of the platform to all new Cat engines in use across the company and upgrading the fleet in the field too.” Bryan concludes: “It’s never been easier to trial the system given the highly competitive pricing levels we have introduced. Installation is straightforward with Finning experts on hand to support every step and advise on how to maximise the platform’s benefits – and crucially, get more from your equipment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the addition of new high-capacity models to sit alongside the award-winning EDiA trucks, the electric counterbalance series from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is now an even more complete solution, covering capacities from 1.4–12 tonnes. Offering huge power with no compromises to performance and precision, the 6–12-tonne FB60-120N(H) Series features best-in-class acceleration. A low overhead guard option is available on all models — even up to 12 tonnes — allowing the truck to be used in container applications for greater fleet flexibility. Single-tyre models are also available for a narrower profile, so it’s simple to specify one of these trucks to do heavy work in confined areas. H models feature Four Wheel Steering (4WS) which grants exceptional manoeuvrability, even in narrow spaces. With 4WS the front drive motors turn independently, offering superior grip and precision handling. The rear axle boasts a full 101-degree steering capability, with dual drive motors for instantaneous and smooth turning on the spot. This helps to eliminate the initial ‘push’ found with conventional drive systems. The load sensing hydraulic system ensures load handling functions react similarly to different weights. A high-lift traction control system ensures steadier and more controllable chassis movements in lifts above 2.5m. Low Noise Lift — a Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks innovation that has been widely praised since it appeared on the EDiA line — offers the quietest hydraulic pump on the market at just 65 dB. It means users will be less fatigued from extended noise exposure compared to working in similar trucks in its class. Operators will appreciate the spacious, open cabin, designed to comfortably accommodate drivers of all sizes. The cabin is rubber mounted to minimise vibrations and make for a more comfortable shift. Advanced control options, including dual joysticks for simultaneous lift and tilt functions, allow for customisation to meet customer requirements. Touch-sensitive fingertip controls provide a natural, spring-loaded response for fine-tuned handling, even while wearing heavy gloves. The ergonomic design extends to a fully adjustable driving position and self-centring steering wheel, positioned for exceptional control and comfort. All-round visibility is excellent, with the rear camera providing an improved look behind the truck, while the mast’s free-lift cylinder structure has been optimised with hoses over chains so operators can see more of the load and fork tips. With a low seat height comparable to many IC engine trucks, operators benefit from an easier entry and exit process, and it’s a much more familiar environment for those making the switch from IC to electric. The design also takes into account easy maintenance, with the two 48v batteries accessible without the need for doors, making battery exchange quicker and simpler. Each battery can be easily moved with a counterbalance truck or even just a pallet truck. Find out more For find out more about the award-winning Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks range, call the Greenline 0845 371 3048, contact info@mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is introducing the grid-connected EW240 Electric Material Handler, the latest addition to its leading range of zero exhaust emission machines working towards a carbon-neutral future. This solution was developed in collaboration with one of our authorised partners. The EW240 Electric Material Handler is not only a better choice for the environment, but it opens up a range of new business opportunities too. With zero exhaust emissions and near silent operation, it is the perfect solution for noise sensitive areas, outdoors or even indoors, low carbon zones and for working during unsociable hours. Its quieter operation means less disruption to the operator and to people working on site, as well as to those in the surrounding areas. Sustainability in Action Electric solutions like this EW240 Electric Material Handler are perfectly suited to waste and recycling applications – helping to deliver a more sustainable way of working to match the environmental ambitions and operations of the very business itself. Thanks to electrification, the EW240 Electric Material Handler can go longer between services which means lower maintenance costs compared to a diesel alternative. With no engine-related consumables such as engine oil, filters and water separator, it also reduces downtime and costs. No time for downtime A cable connection makes the EW240 Electric Material Handler the perfect choice to increase productivity and lower operating costs in static applications. This electric-powered Material Handler gives operators the same performance and control as provided by conventional machines – with the added advantage that there is no need to stop work to refuel or recharge. Instead, operators can keep working for as long as they want – and with outstanding levels of operator comfort, this might be some time. Operator experience is further enhanced with a heated and suspended seat, and outstanding visibility thanks to the flat machine hood, rear and side view camera and LED lights. Grid-Connected Solutions Grid-connected solutions like the EW240 Electric Material Handler are ideal for use in static applications that are required to carry out repetitive tasks such as material handling, for example in the waste and recycling industry. Volvo CE continues to invest in technological solutions tailored to industry needs. Thomas Nather, SAS Commercial Project Manager for excavators at Volvo CE, says: “The EW240 Electric Material Handler is the ideal hard-working sustainable solution for waste and recycling – an industry where circularity is in close focus. By providing near silent and zero emission electric solutions, we are supporting our customers need to work more sustainably and deliver on their transformation journey as well as lower the cost of their operations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, is urging operators and owners to make sure their machines are fit for the winter to continue to operate at full capacity by minimising unexpected downtime. Frost, muddy conditions and plummeting temperatures can all take a toll on machinery through excess wear and tear, which makes winter maintenance essential. While construction machinery is designed to withstand tough conditions, adverse weather can still have an impact and lead to issues such as damage to the undercarriage, freezing and corrosion. Cheryl Griffith, Wear Parts Product Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, shares some expert advice on how to keep winter wear and tear to a minimum: Check your levels Fluids are essential to the operation of a machine and are one of the areas that winter weather can really have an impact on as the cold can affect the viscosity of engine and hydraulic fluids. Check the oil is the right type for use in winter conditions too, while low temperature grease or coolant additives can also improve performance. Using a high-quality anti-freeze to protect cooling systems ensures the engine operates at the right temperature – and always allow the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system to fully purge to remove any excess moisture. This is also a good time to look at replacing oil and filters – and to book a basic maintenance service to check for any issues. Daily checks are essential The undercarriage is particularly vulnerable to worsening wear and tear, if you don’t carry out regular checks. With additional pressure being placed on tracks, tyres, suspension and the frame of the machine in negotiating muddy and wet conditions, regularly checking for loose parts, cracks and signs of damage can flag up an issue before it becomes a real and costly problem. Also take time to check wipers and lights as well to ensure operators can work safely in rain, wind and darker conditions. Battery power Cold weather will not affect the life of a battery, but it can highlight if it is weak. Winter conditions place additional stress on uncharged components. If the battery is showing signs of weakness, then be sure to choose a good quality, heavy duty battery that will offer year-round performance. Take your time and extra care Giving machines time to warm up properly is essential in the winter to allow them to operate at capacity – and to avoid costly and unnecessary damage to components and hoses. Where machines are not going to be used for a while, move them to a covered area if possible and disconnect the battery. Servicing is everything If you have a service agreement in place, make sure to book in at regular service intervals based on machine operating hours and guidance from the manufacturer or dealer. Not having regular services throughout the year can really take its toll on a machine in the winter when the working conditions mean the equipment and all its components have to work harder. Preventative maintenance is by far the best solution to avoid unexpected downtime during the winter months. Regular servicing and maintenance is proven to keep machines up and running. At Finning we offer a range of service options for all levels from delivering parts for a maintenance schedule to planned repairs, and tailored solutions to give customers the support that is right for them. Find out more about our servicing capabilities here at Finning online. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Provider of powerful AI-based water management systems elevates expectations entering 2024 As organizations around the world face rising costs related to water damage and increased focus on water sustainability, WINT Water Intelligence is building on its success in 2023 to continue solving these challenges for insurance, construction, facilities, and property management companies. In 2023, WINT helped over 400 leading global enterprises mitigate water damage and reduce their environmental footprint; these customers saved a total of 652 million gallons of water which would have resulted in the release of 22,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. In addition, WINT’s solutions prevented over 900 water damage incidents with a total damage potential of tens of millions of dollars. WINT’s success in preventing water damage has helped accelerate the growth of its insurance network, which includes carriers, brokers, MGAs and risk-engineering firms and has nearly tripled during the year. “The economic impact of water damage in buildings and construction sites, combined with increased water stress and scarcity, has ripple effects that impact a wide variety of industries,” said Yaron Dycian, chief product and strategy officer for WINT. “Rising insurance costs for construction and commercial and residential buildings are adding to the impact of the climate crisis and global water shortages. We’re proud that we’ve managed to help our customers avoid the pain of water damage in their facilities, and of having helped reduce the environmental impact of building on water supplies.” Throughout the year, WINT implemented a variety of innovative solutions to help contractors, insurers and property and facilities managers meet the challenges associated with water waste and damage. Over the last 12 months, the company has: “Our achievements in 2023 reflect the serious need for lasting solutions to the problems and costs associated with leaks, water waste and water damage,” said Alon Geva, CEO of WINT. “As we continue to build on our innovation and passion for helping organizations thrive in demanding circumstances, we’re using these accomplishments as the foundation for the results we deliver to customers and our shared future success.” WINT equips contractors, developers, owners and facility management teams with a cutting-edge solution for managing water throughout the lifecycle of a building, from construction to operation. The WINT platform includes automated leak mitigation with real-time detection and auto shutoff; unparalleled anomaly detection and analytics powered by advanced AI algorithms; and enterprise-grade management for operation in large and mid-sized facilities. WINT is used globally by customers including the Empire State Building, HP, PepsiCo, Suffolk Construction, as well as many other leading enterprises, general contractors (GCs) and facility owners. For more information about WINT, visit https://wint.ai.
Industry-leading global provider of integrated process and mixing solutions, ProSep, has received official acknowledgment from the US Patent Office for improvements made to its recognized Annual Injection Mixer (AIM), resulting in a new patent being issued. Part of ProSep’s portfolio of differentiated technologies for higher operational performance, AIM is the technology of choice for the global energy industry, providing an innovative alternative to traditional injection quills and static mixers. Highlighting its commitment to optimizing its leading technologies for evolving industry requirements and operations, ProSep received US Patent 11,673,104 B2 for its latest improvements to the technology. These improvements optimize the energy transfer of the process fluid to the injected phase, leading to enhanced additive dispersion throughout the process stream. As a result, there is significantly greater surface area of the additive for optimal utilization, reducing the need for overdosing, all with minimal pressure drop and with performance-substantiated field data indicating additive savings of 20-60%. AIM’s improved design has already been used extensively for natural gas conditioning that requires a large turndown of the NG flow and LPG injection volumes. CFD modeling and field performance have validated vaporization distance for critical process systems. Chief Technical Officer at ProSep, John Sabey, welcomed the recognition, commenting: “This patent is a testament to our commitment to improving the innovative solutions we offer clients and our ability to provide adaptive technology that can help optimize existing operations. As an outstanding example of our proprietary mixing technologies, AIM has a longstanding track record of reducing chemical and wash water injection for upstream operations, resulting in enhanced plant efficiency and significant cost savings for operators. These improvements, covered by the patent, create new application opportunities in the midstream, natural gas, and LNG markets. Additionally, we are also pursuing deployment in downstream and carbon capture applications. These improvements and the recognition received by the US Patent Office will allow us to continue deploying AIM across projects to support industry aims to adopt more environmentally conscious technologies that optimize critical resources.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FCC Environment is putting its quarry plant operators and managers through their paces with Finning training experts to improve fuel efficiencies and cut fuel burn. More than 30 FCC machine operators and plant managers have completed the Finning Eco-Drive™ operator training programme so far, which is part of a company-wide initiative called ‘Don’t Be Fuelish’. The campaign aims to crack down on machine idle time and minimise fuel burn, as well as improving CO2 emissions and reducing operating costs. Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® equipment and parts, launched its Eco-Drive™ operator training in 2009 aimed at refining operator skills to increase performance and crucially cut costs by giving operators the skills they need to better utilise the tools and technologies available in the equipment. Due to the popularity of the operator training, Finning recently added an Advanced Performance programme specifically aimed at managers and supervisors to enable them to better manage the fleet operations and deliver greater efficiency, safety, and productivity. Bill Stone, Group Plant Manager at FCC Environment, said: “We’ve been doing business with Finning for some time and enjoy a good working relationship with them. We started looking at all our operational data to identify how we can improve idle times – and vitally cut fuel costs – and the training delivered by Finning was an important part of that. “We’ve done four sessions of the operator training so far and feedback has been good. Many of our quarry operators have been with us for 10 years or more, but many of them don’t typically use the technology that is fitted as standard in new Cat machines which can save them time and fuel. The great thing was when they came out of the sessions, they were all fired up and telling other operators’ things they’d picked up – which was great. “I think they really appreciated the fact that they had the opportunity for one-to-one interaction with the trainer – who were on their level as former operators, so they really engaged with them. “I attended the advanced course for managers, and it was very good. For example, we learnt about the impact of using incorrect ground engaging tools and how this affects machine productivity.” The advanced course also addresses topics such as assessing and measuring equipment capability to optimise fuel usage, identifying inefficiencies as well as looking into best practice operating techniques and the fundamentals of machine application. Participants on the course develop their own site improvement plan, with the Finning team providing a follow-up review to provide any ongoing guidance and support. Bill adds: “We’ll never completely cut out zero idling, but this campaign and dedicated training with Finning experts helps the operators understand how much money is wasted in terms of fuel and repair and maintenance. Educating the managers so they understand the economic and environmental gains achieved by only having machines working when they’re needed is already yielding savings across the company.” Jonathan Davies, Finning UK & Ireland Industry Manager for Industrial & Waste and Paving, said: “When you’ve got a quarry working 2000 hours a year every penny counts, and you must make sure you get the best per cost per tonne. “While we can supply efficient and reliable machines, the greater the operator skill and efficiency the less wear and tear there is on the machine and fuel wastage and the greater the site efficiency.” Both the Eco-Drive™ Operator Training and Advanced Performance Training courses are Institute of Quarrying CPD accredited and are available from one of Finning UK & Irelands’ facilities, or group training can be delivered at a customer site. To find out more about Finning Eco-DriveTM Operator and Manager Training courses go to www.finning.com/en_GB/services/customer-training/operator-training.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading UK powered access provider Nationwide Platforms has seen the second cohort of trainers graduate from its new IPAF trainee programme. Currently holding a 100% pass rate, the programme is designed to close the trainer skills gap and encourage younger people to become certified instructors. Jessica Taylor, Jennifer Roddis, Paulina Stempnakowska, Robbie Hayhurst and Matt Dawson were the latest five participants to graduate. Previously, prospective trainers had to have a minimum of three years of operator experience before advancing to training others. However, this has resulted in many trainers retiring with no replacement, creating a subsequent skills gap. Designed and created by Nationwide Platforms’ Operational Training Manager Brian Sneddon and Senior IPAF Instructor Neil Laws in partnership with the International Powered Access Federation, (IPAF), the new programme accelerates the education process through a mix of face-to-face classes, on the job training and complimentary e-learning, over an intensive 10-15 week course. The course covers all aspects of operation, including an expected minimum of 150 operating hours, as well as administration and trainer management. The programme is tail ended by an intensive two-week assessment period that vigorously tests applicants’ knowledge and practical skills. Jessica, Jennifer, Paulina, Robbie and Matt had to travel to different locations to gain experience and knowledge from a variety of Nationwide Platforms depots. 23-year-old Jessica, from Teesside, came from an agricultural background and was used to operating machinery but lacked the management skills required to be a trainer. The course equipped her with the knowledge and tools to train others to match her operational experience. She commented, “The jump from operator to instructor is significant. It was eye-opening to learn how much I didn’t know, but the course quickly filled the gaps in my knowledge. I had the most amazing experience, with some great people who were always there to offer support. I would highly recommend this course to everyone.” Jennifer, 22, hailing from Hereford, previously worked on farms and construction sites, much like Jessica. Similarly adept at operating machinery, Jennifer found the IT side of the training the most challenging but the programme gave her all the support she required. She said, “Nationwide Platforms were extremely helpful, offering hands-on guidance. All the instructors were brilliant and went the extra mile to help us out. It could be extremely challenging having a great deal of information to absorb and memorise. However, as you progress, the wealth of technical information and safety information start to seep into the practical, hands-on training. I plan to take forward all I’ve learnt and do further training.” Paulina, mid-30’s and based in Leicester, was inspired by previous applicant Kelly-Ann Macgillivray to apply for the course. As a member of Nationwide Platforms’ fleet management team, Paulina had plenty of management and administration experience but far less hands-on operative knowledge. She said, “I saw how much Kelly-Ann benefited from doing this course, so when the opportunity arose, I didn’t hesitate. It’s been a tough but rewarding journey and I couldn’t have done it without the wonderful support of the tutors and other participants. One challenge I faced was the pronunciation of certain English words, as it’s my second language. Communication is vital when training other operatives, so I had to make sure my pronunciation was clear and correct. I’m now in a learning groove, and I’m keen to continue gaining more qualifications.” Robbie, 39, from Liverpool, previously worked as a regional driver within Nationwide Platforms and even before the IPAF programme came out had expressed interest in becoming an instructor. His goal now he has qualified is to upskill within the training department as much as possible. Matt, 57, from St Helens, has almost three decades experience as an SV (Specialist Vehicles) operator for Nationwide Platforms. Matt has extensive knowledge with the kit and has travelled the country operating the largest machines on prestigious projects. Now he’s qualified, he hopes to learn as much as possible with the training department. Now fully rounded trainers, the cohort are looking forward to advancing their careers with Nationwide Platforms, through further training and career development. Brian Sneddon said, “This course is a fantastic way to build your skill set in a safe and supportive environment. It’s been wonderful having a new cohort who embody the talented people we work with, displaying amazing passion and commitment to their education. “We couldn’t have done this without the support of Neil Laws, who continues to take this course from strength to strength, giving up much of his personal time to provide a high-quality training experience for the participants. I can’t wait to see more cohorts come through the programme and encourage anyone looking for a new career path or to continue their own development to apply.” As Nationwide Platforms continues to finetune the course, applications for the next intake are currently open to internal and external applicants to increase the number of IPAF certified trainers. For more information on the IPAF training programme visit: https://training.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb/ipaf-training-courses
