At Pickerings Lifts, we are dedicated to developing our people, expanding their knowledge and expertise with first-class training and development opportunities. All our employees across the country are trained in line with the latest regulations and best practices, to ensure all our customers experience a high quality level of customer service.

Proud to provide apprenticeships

We currently have five apprentices all taking their own journey, learning alongside our highly skilled and qualified members of staff, as well as local colleges. We believe apprenticeships are incredibly valuable to our industry as a great way to upskill and nurture young people, with many of our apprentices still with us today!

Training with accredited providers

We offer a wide range of qualifications to staff, from NVQs through to specialised courses from organisations including the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers (ALEM).

Earlier this year, our loading systems engineers Scot, Iain and Luke, all passed their NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 concurrently with flying colours. The wide breadth of knowledge that the engineers shared was highlighted by the course tutor.

In 2018, we had 326 attendees on training courses, enabling our staff to become qualified in their specialised field.

Recently, a cross-section of our management staff came together to complete their Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 3 award in First Line Management. Staff across the country undertook four training courses and submitted assignments on various management topics including leadership styles, communication, team performance and recruitment and selection.

After achieving the qualification, staff have the option to expand their studies even further, using what they learned on the course to achieve a Level 3 certificate or diploma in First Line Management.

Not only are we training our staff, but we are also helping to lead the way in regards to new training opportunities. The ‘Level 3 Lift and Escalator Electromechanic Apprenticeship Standard’ was recently approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and is the result of a trailblazer group which included Pickerings Lifts, LEIA and several other companies in the lift and escalator industry.

Thinking outside of the box

We are continuously looking at different, innovative ways that our staff can expand their skill set. For example, Leo, service administrator for our mobility team, recently completed his NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration. Following achieving this qualification, Leo was keen to further his knowledge and learn more about mobility and the wide range of products we service.

To have a better understanding of the day and life of an engineer, he went out in to the field attending callouts and remedial repairs with our engineers. This allowed Leo to increase his technical knowledge and understanding of the restraints and issues that may happen day-to-day on mobility equipment.

Leo said: “These are practical skills that I can apply to my role as they allow me to assign the right time needed to different callouts, so that engineers aren’t having to rush between jobs.”

Mentorship scheme

Following feedback from our engineers, we also began to provide a mentorship scheme, where engineers taking an NVQ qualification are assigned a senior engineer who is available to provide support and advice.

Les, our Regional Manager said: “The mentorship scheme is great for engineers as a support mechanism, and also provides extra experience and personal development for our senior engineers too.”

Can we help you?

If you are looking for volunteer work, work experience or an Apprenticeship opportunity, Pickerings Lifts may be able to help.

From our Head Office in Stockton on Tees, to our regional offices across the UK, we have a wide range of opportunities available, not only in engineering, but also sales, finance and business administration.

If you would like to know more, contact us today on 0800 085 3211 or email contact@pickeringslifts.co.uk