What Should You Look for in an IPAF Training Provider?

An Expert Insight from IPAF Training Manager, Paul Roddis.

Choosing an IPAF training provider can feel straightforward at first. Most people start by looking at location, availability and price, which are all important factors, but they don't always tell the full story. As part of our ongoing interview series, we recently sat down with Paul Roddis, Training Manager at IPAF, to discuss what businesses and operators should be looking for when selecting an IPAF training provider.

One of the first points Paul raised was that every IPAF training centre must meet a range of requirements before it can deliver IPAF training. Paul explains: "In order to become an IPAF training centre, you have to fulfil a range of requirements because we need to know that all IPAF training, regardless, reaches a minimum standard." That means businesses can be confident that approved IPAF training providers are working to the same standards and delivering training that meets IPAF's requirements.

Looking Beyond Location

Paul highlighted that while many organisations understandably choose a training provider based on location, that isn't always the most important consideration. "Of course people will tend to go via location, which makes sense, but a lot of organisations would rather people came to them to do the training on their equipment in their premises because that makes much more sense for them."

For many employers, being trained on the equipment operators actually use every day can be a significant advantage, helping make the training more relevant to the working environment.

Ask Questions Before You Book

Paul’s advice from the discussion was around the questions businesses should ask before choosing a training provider. "How does this organisation respond? What information are they going to send me? How are they going to help me make my decision? How am I going to know that this is right by them helping me?" The quality of support, communication and advice you receive before booking can often tell you a great deal about the experience you're likely to receive afterwards.

Both Paul and Adele Coupe, Training Manager at Certora and IPAF Training Committee member for the last eight years, explained that support and guidance are central to the way we approach IPAF training here at Certora.

As an IPAF training provider since 2003, we deliver the full range of IPAF operator training, including MEWPs for Managers, and e-learning courses such as the MEWP Spotter training course. We have a team of experienced training coordinators who help customers identify requirements, organise training and navigate the process from start to finish.

Alongside our commitment to safety and competence, we recently received recognition through our IPAF audit, where we achieved a commendation following a review of our administration processes, instructor records and training documentation. Further still, we're also proud to have been shortlisted for the 2026 IAPA Awards for the ‘Training Centre of the Year Award’.

As Paul explained in our interview, the quality of support and guidance you receive before booking often tells you a great deal about the provider you are choosing. That's something we place a strong focus on at Certora, with experienced training coordinators helping customers identify requirements based on both role and equipment, organise training and make informed decisions about the most appropriate courses for their workforce.

Watch the Full Interview

Our exclusive interview with Paul goes into much more detail about choosing the right IPAF training provider, understanding what differentiates one provider from another, and the role good customer support plays in achieving a positive training experience.

Watch the full interview below to hear the insights from both Paul Roddis and Adele Coupe in their own words.