The first IPAF-approved training centers in New Zealand have opened and are ready to deliver high quality training for operators of mobile elevating work platforms, also called aerial work platforms.

Accessman, the largest specialized rental company in the South Island of New Zealand, recognized the opportunity to offer IPAF training to meet the demand driven by the Christchurch rebuild, said Lena Harrington, Accessman’s general manager. Training is also being driven by the country’s evolving Health & Safety Act, which has recently undergone reform and is due for release in April 2016, she added.

“IPAF provides a professional alternative to the only option currently available within New Zealand,” said Harrington. “Plus points are the five-year validity of the PAL Card, stringent training guidelines and streamlined processes. IPAF certainly delivers a total package with administrative support and innovative technology that will in time revolutionize the hire industry. The safety of our customers remains our number one priority and with IPAF on board, we have a training system that delivers by going above and beyond.”

Also starting up in Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand is Total Access. The company’s facilities have been audited and its instructors assessed and certified to be able to deliver IPAF training. There are IPAF-approved training centers across 34 countries. See the training center locator at ipaf.org.