In 2022, IPAF President Karin Nars launched the 'Women in Powered Access' initiative, inviting women of all ages and different professional roles to share their stories of inclusivity. The initiative includes a number of key actions, including providing a platform to tell the stories of women in powered access in both the media and at industry events. IPAF will also use its own print, web and social media platforms to share these inspirational case studies and will also continue to invite prominent women speakers to present at IPAF events. IPAF will share a series of case studies at  www.ipaf.org/casestudy to communicate the opportunities our industry offers women. 

ABBIE WINSON
MEWP OPERATOR, UK TOOL HIRE GROUP, UK

What is your role in powered access? I am a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Operator.

How did you come into this industry and what attracted you to it?  started working for UK Tool Hire as an administration assistant, but I wanted to have a more hands on role. A powered access operator position became available, and I decided to go for it. I’ve always been interested in the machines so thought it would be a good fit for me.

What do you find inspiring about your role? I like the hands-on part of the job and learning new things every day and the idea of possibly becoming an engineer one day. I also love the idea of inspiring other women in the powered access industry.

Where do you see yourself in five years and what do you want to achieve? In five years’ time I would like to assist to fix the machines and to work in more of an engineer role. In the next few years, I’ll look at moving up and training to become an engineer.

What one piece of advice would you give to other women in/thinking of entering the industry? Just go for it! Yes, it can be hard at times but in the world, we live in, we have to learn to adapt. We can achieve anything we want to with a little bit of help.

“Just go for it! We can achieve anything we want to with a little bit of help.”