Distance Learning Continues to Rise

LEIA discusses the growing online options.

The take-up of online learning across the U.K. has increased significantly during the past 12 months, and LEIA’s distance learning programme is no exception. It has seen a 55% increase for the past two intakes and continues to grow. With the trend for online learning and professional development set to continue, LEIA Training and Safety Manager Dan Charlesworth (DC) runs through the options available with your author (OG).

OG: Tell us more about the LEIA distance learning programme.

DC: Most importantly, it has been designed by, and for, the industry to address the difficulties created by a highly mobile workforce and the demands of changing British and European standards requirements.

It’s divided into full and half units of study. The full units cover introduction up to advanced engineering principles, lift technology, electric traction lifts and hydraulic lifts. These technology units, along with Stairlift and Escalator half units are suited to people working in field-based technical roles.  The Introduction to Lift Technology is also suited to those in other roles needing an introduction. There are non-technology units for Managing Safely and Contracts Management for those involved in site, safety and contracts management.

There are three starts within the year: 2 January, 1 May and 1 September. Applications to each start must be received by LEIA before the 15th of the preceding month.  

At the end of the course, candidates are awarded: 

• Certificate of Unit Achievement issued by LEIA
• IOSH Certificate after MSH4 (Managing Safely)
  • OG: What subjects are available?
  • DC: They are:
• Introduction to Lift Technology which can be taken as half units:
• Basic Lift Technology (first half)
• Complementary Basic Lift Technology (second half)
• Fundamentals of Lift Technology
• Advanced Lift Technology – Mechanical
• Advanced Lift Technology – Electrical & Hydraulic
• Electronic Systems and Controls for Lifts
• Management of a Lift / Escalator Contract – Commercial & Site
• Escalators and Moving Walks
• IOSH Managing Safely for LEIA
• Stairlifts

OG: Which routes should learners take?

DC: Most of our learners begin with the Introduction to Lift Technology, followed by the Fundamentals of Lift Technology. However, students who are only working on escalators and passenger conveyors or stairlifts would typically go straight to these specific units.

For learners who have completed the Introduction to Lift Technology, followed by Fundamentals of Lift Technology will often go onto the advanced units. Finally, for those involved with contractual issues and/or site work, they may choose to undertake the Practical Management of a Lift/Escalator Contract Part 1 or Part 2. As you can see, there are various options and no one size fits all. We are happy to advise on the best route depending on individual circumstances.

OG: What’s new?

DC: LEIA and the University of Northampton (UoN) have refreshed their educational ties during the development of a Level 4 Certificate within the Lift and Escalator awards programme offered by the university. The qualification topics now includes sufficient escalator knowledge to title the new Level 4 Certificate as LIFT and ESCALATOR Technology. There will also be development of the Higher National Certificate HNC and a rebrand of the Foundation Degree FdSc to Higher National Diploma HND.

This now gives escalator professionals an equivalent Academic Qualification Route, recognising the importance of this sector within our industry. 

A crucial reminder to those individuals who have already attained LEIA modules that are used in the University of Northampton’s awards programmes, you can use your LEIA-awarded certificates to gain credits* without the need to retake these elements when enrolling on the Certificate/HNC/HND in Lift and Escalator Technology.

Also, the certificate allows for Apprenticeship Training Providers to insert this package of learning into Apprentice Training Programs within the Levy Funding Rules, creating a standardised technical certificate offering across the nation, whilst building on the historical relationship between the industry and the university.

The Lift and Escalator Trailblazer Group was instrumental in the development of the Apprentice Standard Lift and Escalator Electromechanic ST0252 process and approval. It is open to companies of all sizes. We have welcomed the first intake of learners and look forward to more employers choosing the Apprenticeship Route over sole NVQ assessment and integrating the certificate as a core part of their apprenticeship training plans. We see it as a key step in enhancing and safeguarding the future of our industry skills and education.

For more information, please visit https://www.leia.co.uk/education-and-training/leia-distance-learning-course/

*subject to age of award and discussion with UoN.