IPAF and HIANZ Launch New MEWP Training Conversion Course
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ) have joined forces to launch a new MEWP training conversion course for operators.
This innovative collaboration between the two associations means that anyone holding a HIANZ Silvercard can now complete a short e-learning course and, subject to successful completion, apply for an IPAF PAL Card. This provides workers from New Zealand with IPAF’s globally recognised qualification, ensuring they are equipped to work safely and confidently overseas.
Similarly, operators who already hold an IPAF PAL Card and wish to work in New Zealand will be able to complete the conversion training and apply for the nationally recognised Silvercard Competent Operator card.
The cross-crediting of training standards offers a valuable enhancement to MEWP competency programmes, while also opening the door to future collaboration between the two associations.
Peter Douglas, CEO and Managing Director of IPAF, commented:
"This partnership is a fantastic step forward for both IPAF and HIANZ members, as it ensures that operators can gain recognition for their skills across borders. Powered access is a global industry, and aligning standards helps raise safety, boost mobility of workers, and strengthen training provision worldwide."
Rodney Grant, CEO of HIANZ, added:
"We are proud to work alongside IPAF to deliver this conversion course. The Silvercard programme has long been the benchmark of MEWP training in New Zealand, and this collaboration allows our members and operators to carry that recognition into global markets. Providing an opportunity to use the knowledge, skills and behaviours learnt in your country as a trained and competent operator, provides avenue to share worker resources and keep competencies current. Bringing back learnings from working in each other’s jurisdictions grows both markets with safe, competent and productive MEWP operators."
The new conversion course is available immediately – for details on how to enrol, please contact Kylene Schlebusch, Operations Manager at HIANZ, on kylene@hianz.net.nz. For further information on the Silvercard, visit https://silvercard.co.nz/
