The Level 3 Lifting Equipment Technician apprenticeship standard has been launched in the UK.

Ross Moloney, CEO of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, is excited about the training opportunity: “I would encourage the lifting industry and LEEA members in particular to … explore the significant benefits offered by the apprenticeship. Innovative ways to make sure its delivery is engaging and offers value to employers are now being developed. LEEA will be delighted to support employers and providers as they look to deliver truly demand-led training.”

The much-needed and long-awaited training opportunity for the lifting industry is the result of efforts by the Trailblazer group led by Kat Moss, who will be able to observe the take-up as LEEA’s new chair. 

The apprenticeship’s many benefits were highlighted during a LEEA-hosted webinar in December 2021, which can be watched via an online stream at: leeaint.com/presentation/apprenticeship-webinar-december-2021.

The lifting equipment technician apprenticeship is available across the whole of England and its details are listed at the Institute for Apprenticeships website.

LEEA points out that as  this is a new standard, training providers will be in the process of developing its delivery.  City of Bristol College is the first training institution to engage and LEEA is also working with an End Point Assessment (EPA) organisation to ensure that apprentices get the best possible support throughout their course. 

LEEA also hopes to apply the standard globally. It is being looked at in Australia and New Zealand and Moloney has written to the Scottish Government to discuss how to take the apprenticeship forward there.