Fuente: Daniel O’Sullivan | IPAF

In a stride towards advancing technical education and meeting the demands of the rapidly evolving industrial landscape, a partnership has emerged between IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) and ISI Rentas, an equipment rental agency in Monterrey, collaborating with Conalep, Mexico's National College of Professional Technical Education. This partnership offers a specialised course: Programa Formación Técnicos PEMP (MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) Technician Training Programme), tailored to meet the needs of both national and international industries.

Conalep is a public high school established in 1978 by José Antonio Padilla Segura which provides technical training in Mexico. With a mission to produce skilled professionals through competency-based models, Conalep is renowned for providing high-quality education. Now, with the integration of IPAF and ISI's apprenticeship programme, Conalep students can avail this unique opportunity to gain a recognised Technical Apprentice Level 1 qualification.

The syllabus and class components for Conalep students engaging in the programme are designed to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. From classroom-based theoretical learning to practical hands-on training and innovative eLearning modules, students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the powered access industry. Moreover, students who successfully complete the course will receive official certification, validating their proficiency and enhancing their employability prospects.

The course provides students with a comprehensive curriculum covering essential aspects of MEWPs, ranging from electrical materials to basic hydraulics and hydrostatic drives.

Central to the success of this apprenticeship scheme is the involvement of ISI Rentas, a Mexican company renowned for its commitment to safety and quality in machinery rental services. Their emphasis on transparency, integrity, and excellence resonates throughout the programme, ensuring that students receive quality training.

The selection process for aspiring apprentices is rigorous, with emphasis placed on academic excellence and aptitude. Students undergo a thorough screening process, including an online selection questionnaire, before embarking on their journey towards becoming certified professionals in the powered access industry.

As the apprenticeship programme unfolds, Conalep students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience through hands-on training with industry-leading equipment. By collaborating with leading clients, ISI  Rentas provides students with real-world exposure, preparing them for the challenges of the industrial landscape.

Diego Bustamante, IPAF’s Latin America Regional Manager & North America Project Coordinator, commented: "Through this partnership with ISI Rentas and CONALEP, we aim to empower aspiring professionals with specialized skills and internationally recognized certifications. This initiative not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the overall growth and sustainability of the industry in Mexico. We are proud to be part of this journey towards shaping a skilled young workforce for the future. This is just the beginning of what we hope will prove a showcase for our industry.”

IPAF and ISI Rentas’ apprenticeship programme with Conalep marks a notable development in technical education in Mexico. By equipping students with specialised skills based on internationally recognised certifications, the programme empowers students to take their first step into the competitive landscape of the powered access industry.