A Day in the Life of an IPAF Trainee
Last Updated: 9 January 2026
Training is crucial for keeping workers safe when operating powered access platforms and working at height. Even though it is not a legal requirement to specifically enrol your employees on IPAF training, it is a legal requirement to ensure they are safe.
IPAF training is one of the best ways to ensure your employees are clued up on what to do and what not to do when operating powered access platforms.
So, what will you or your employees do on an IPAF training course?
What to expect on an IPAF training course?
A typical day of IPAF training will involve both theoretical and practical learning, ensuring you can build skills in a safe and supportive environment.
IPAF training courses allow for a flexible learning environment; you can complete your theoretical training online through an e-learning platform in your own time. This makes completing the theory side of the course easy and stress-free. Once you have completed the theoretical part, either online or in a training centre, you’ll then have to complete the practical part at a training centre.
At Star Platforms, we have training centres located all over the UK, with our expert and friendly trainers ready to help you achieve your qualification.
How long does an IPAF training course take?
Most IPAF courses can be completed in one day, with the theory in the morning and the practical being conducted in the afternoon.
Some IPAF training courses have different requirements to complete, however, we’ve shared the most common below.
What is involved in the theory part of an IPAF training course?
During an IPAF training course, the theory will follow a structured programme that will cover:
- Introduction to the course and the objectives.
- Overview of health, fitness and PPE requirements for MEWP operation.
- Introduction to the ePAL app for digital certification and operator logbooks
- Summary of key legislation and regulations related to MEWP operator training
- Identification and description of different types of MEWPs and their uses
- Conducting pre-use inspections, performing safety checks, and understanding emergency procedures.
You will be required to complete a written test, then, once the theory part of training has been completed, typically taking three hours, you’ll then move onto the practical training.
What is involved in the practical part of an IPAF training course?
During an IPAF training course, the practical will provide hands-on experience with support and guidance from instructors to give you the confidence to operate MEWPs independently and safely when needed.
The practical part of the course will cover:
- Completing adequate risk assessments before operating MEWPs.
- Performing complete pre-checks and identifying maintenance requirements of equipment.
- How to safely operate, manoeuvre and position a MEWP.
- Safely execute tasks typically required.
At the end of the practical training, you’ll have an assessment to determine you have retained what you’ve learnt and can safely operate a MEWP. If successful, you’ll receive a PAL Card which is recognised worldwide.
How to book IPAF training with Star Platforms?
If you are interested in booking an IPAF training course for yourself or your employees, then you can do so using our online booking system. Alternatively, if you’re still unsure about which IPAF training course is best, then please get in touch and one of our friendly IPAF training experts will be happy to help.
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