The global coronavirus pandemic forced organisations across every industry to rethink how they operate. For the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), the challenge was particularly significant: how do you continue delivering world-class safety training for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) when social distancing makes traditional classroom instruction impossible? The answer lay in accelerating a digital transformation that IPAF had already begun. This article examines how IPAF adapted its training programmes through eLearning, remote instruction, and advanced technologies, and what these changes mean for the future of powered access safety. For an overview of the broader advantages of federation membership, see 10 Key Benefits of Joining the International Powered Access Federation IPAF.
The Shift to Remote and eLearning Training Delivery
Responding to Unprecedented Demand
When the pandemic hit, IPAF had to protect its global teams while maintaining support for members and the wider powered access industry. One of the most dramatic changes was the surge in demand for eLearning. In the first few weeks of the pandemic, demand for IPAF’s existing eLearning training increased up to five-fold. This was not a temporary spike. It represented a fundamental shift in how the industry approached safety training.
IPAF already offered MEWP operator theory as an eLearning module, which candidates would complete before attending an IPAF Training Centre for their practical assessment. The pandemic forced a rapid expansion of this model, with several key enhancements being deployed to meet the moment.
Face Recognition Technology for Training Security
One of the most significant upgrades to IPAF’s eLearning offering was the addition of face recognition technology. This innovation gives maximum confidence that the person undergoing the online course is indeed the delegated trainee. The technology eliminates the requirement for face-to-face retesting on theory knowledge prior to the practical assessment. This represents a genuine advance in training security and convenience. Candidates can now complete their theory training remotely with full assurance that the assessment is being completed by the right person.
Online Instructor-Led Training via Video Conferencing
IPAF Training Centres have also successfully trialled online instructor-led training, with multiple participants joining in via video conferencing. This approach allows for real-time interaction between instructors and trainees while doing away with the need for Training Centres to accommodate all candidates together in one COVID-secure classroom. The benefits extend beyond pandemic safety. This model eliminates face-to-face risk more broadly and removes the impracticality of gathering trainees from dispersed locations into a single physical space.
Blended Learning: Combining eLearning with Practical Assessment
The blended learning model that emerged is both practical and effective. Trainees complete the eLearning theory module remotely at their own pace using a laptop, desktop PC, or handheld device. They then attend an IPAF Training Centre in person only for the hands-on practical instruction and assessment. Because these practical sessions can be conducted in secure, well-ventilated indoor areas or outdoors, social distancing and COVID security measures can be maintained throughout.
This extra flexibility gives confidence to both trainees and employers. It also allows Training Centres to meet ongoing demand for training and keep up with backlogs that arose during periods when training could not be completed due to business restrictions or lockdowns. The practical outcomes of this blended model are summarised in the table below.
| Aspect | Traditional Model | Blended eLearning Model |
|---|---|---|
| Theory delivery | In-person classroom instruction | Remote eLearning with face recognition |
| Instructor interaction | Face-to-face group sessions | Video conferencing or individual eLearning |
| Practical assessment | On-site at Training Centre | On-site at Training Centre (socially distanced) |
| Classroom capacity limits | Limited by physical space | Unlimited for theory; reduced cohorts for practical |
| Training pace | Fixed group schedule | Self-paced for theory; scheduled practical |
| Geographic flexibility | Requires travel to Training Centre | Remote theory; travel only for practical assessment |
MEWP Supervisor eLearning and Compliance with ANSI A92.22
Meeting New Regulatory Requirements
Beyond the pandemic response, IPAF has also updated its MEWP supervisor eLearning training. This update was driven by a new regulatory requirement: the ANSI A92.22 Safe Use standard, which went into effect on June 1, 2020. This standard mandates specific training for MEWP users and supervisors, making the availability of flexible training options particularly timely. To understand how IPAF membership supports broader safety and business objectives, read How IPAF Membership Elevates Safety and Business Performance in Powered Access Operations.
Flexible Delivery Options for Supervisor Training
The MEWP supervisor training course can be completed in two ways, allowing candidates to choose the format that best suits their circumstances:
- Individual eLearning — The candidate works through the course material independently at their own pace, using facial recognition technology to ensure security and compliance with the new ANSI standards.
- Instructor-led group session via video conference — Multiple participants join a live session with an IPAF instructor, allowing for questions, discussion, and group learning without the need for physical presence.
This flexibility means that supervisors can complete their mandatory training from their own home or workplace, using whatever device they have available. The eLearning course offers the same facial recognition security features to ensure that the person completing the training is indeed the candidate registered for the course.
Key Features of the Updated Supervisor eLearning
- Facial recognition for secure candidate verification throughout the course
- Compliance with ANSI A92.22 Safe Use standards
- Self-paced learning allows candidates to progress at their own speed
- Accessible on laptops, desktop PCs, and handheld devices
- Available as individual eLearning or instructor-led group sessions
- Eliminates travel time and associated costs for the theory component
IPAF Training Centres around the world continue to offer physical instruction under the added safety restrictions required to manage and mitigate the risks posed by coronavirus. However, these new remote learning options provide genuine comfort and convenience to training candidates as the industry adapts to new ways of working.
The Future of IPAF Training: eXtended Reality and Simulation
Beyond eLearning into Immersive Technologies
IPAF is not resting on its accomplishments to date. The federation is actively looking to bring more of its training programme into eLearning and even eXtended reality (XR) environments. XR encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies that create immersive training experiences. These technologies have the potential to transform how operators learn to work safely at height. For a deeper look at why federation membership is critical for powered access professionals, see Why IPAF Membership Matters for Powered Access Professionals.
PAL+ Advanced Operator Course in MEWP Simulation
Phased trials are already underway to translate the IPAF PAL+ advanced operator course into a MEWP simulation environment. IPAF is working alongside member firm Serious Labs on this initiative. Serious Labs specialises in VR simulation for heavy equipment training, and their expertise in creating realistic, risk-free training environments makes them a natural partner for this work.
The PAL+ course is designed for experienced MEWP operators who want to advance their skills. Translating this course into a simulation environment offers several advantages:
- Trainees can practise complex manoeuvres in a completely safe virtual environment
- Scenario-based training can expose operators to rare but critical situations that are difficult to replicate in real-world training
- Training can be repeated as many times as needed without consuming fuel, wearing equipment, or占用 training场地
- Performance data can be captured automatically for assessment and improvement tracking
Load and Unload Safety Training Moving to eLearning
In addition to the PAL+ simulation work, IPAF is also updating its Load and Unload safety training into eLearning format. This training covers the critical procedures for safely loading and unloading MEWPs from transport vehicles, a task that presents significant risks if not performed correctly. Moving this content to eLearning will make it more accessible to a wider audience while maintaining the same rigorous safety standards.
Implications for Powered Access Safety and Industry Practice
Long-Term Changes in Training Delivery
The rapid adoption of eLearning and remote instruction during the pandemic has demonstrated that high-quality safety training can be delivered effectively without requiring all participants to be physically present in a classroom. This has several long-term implications for the powered access industry:
- Training becomes more accessible to workers in remote or regional locations who previously had to travel significant distances to attend courses
- Employers can schedule training more flexibly, reducing downtime and productivity loss
- The carbon footprint of training is reduced as travel requirements decrease
- Training capacity can scale more easily to meet demand during busy periods
Maintaining Safety Standards in a Digital Environment
A concern sometimes raised about remote training is whether it can maintain the same safety standards as in-person instruction. IPAF’s experience during the pandemic suggests that it can, provided the right technologies and processes are in place. Face recognition ensures candidate identity. Video conferencing allows for real-time interaction. Blended learning ensures that critical hands-on skills are still assessed in person.
Throughout 2020 and beyond, IPAF has continued to work with national governments, health and safety bodies, and international standards organisations to ensure safety and best practices continue to be maintained and shared. The federation has shown that digital training is not a compromise. It is an enhancement that makes training more accessible, more flexible, and in many ways more rigorous than traditional methods alone.
Key Benefits of the Digital Training Transformation
| Benefit | Traditional Training | Digital-Enhanced Training |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic reach | Limited to those who can travel | Global access via internet connection |
| Schedule flexibility | Fixed course dates and times | Self-paced eLearning + scheduled practical |
| Candidate verification | In-person ID check | Face recognition throughout course |
| Training consistency | Varies by instructor and location | Standardised digital content |
| Record keeping | Paper-based or manual digital entry | Automatic tracking and reporting |
| Scalability | Constrained by physical facilities | Virtually unlimited for theory component |
What This Means for Training Centres and Employers
For IPAF Training Centres, the digital transformation represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Centres that invest in the technology and processes to support blended learning will be well positioned to meet the evolving needs of the industry. For employers, the message is clear: the tools to train your workforce safely and effectively are more accessible than ever. There is no longer a need to choose between safety training and operational productivity.
The future may be challenging, but as always, it is the duty of organisations like IPAF to rise to those challenges and offer solutions and opportunities to members, their customers, and all users of powered access worldwide. The digital transformation of IPAF training is a significant step forward in helping keep people safe while working at height. For additional guidance on regulatory compliance in construction and renovation contexts, refer to What Must Be Brought Up to Code During a Remodel: Understanding Building Code Requirements for Renovations.
Conclusion
IPAF’s rapid adaptation to the challenges of the pandemic has accelerated a digital transformation that will benefit the powered access industry for years to come. From five-fold increases in eLearning demand to the introduction of face recognition technology, from video conference instructor-led sessions to XR simulation trials, the federation has demonstrated that safety training can evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. The blended learning model that has emerged is not a temporary response to a crisis. It is a durable improvement that makes training more accessible, more flexible, and more effective for everyone involved in working at height.