IPAF Training · Manchester IPAF training in Manchester for scissor lifts, booms, static booms and PAVs, at our Pendlebury training centre just off the M60 or on your own site, with a same-day ePAL.
Pick a course type below to see the next available dates and book your place online.
How it works: Please see all available courses which can be filtered above. We have a selection of full-day classroom, half-day practical (theory part done online) and weekend training which you can book from this calendar. If you aren't sure what is best, or would like to ask some questions then please get in touch by call, email, Live Chat or WhatsApp.
How it works: A full day at our Manchester venue covering theory and practical assessment, with your ePAL card issued the same day.
How it works: Complete the theory online in a half-day session, then attend a shorter practical slot at our Manchester venue to finish your assessment.
How it works: Weekend courses for teams who can't spare a weekday — same accreditation, same same-day ePAL card.
Training four or more people? We'll bring the course to your site or offices on a date that suits you — no travel, no downtime, and a better price per person than booking individual places.
Requires a minimum of 4 attendees
IPAF operator courses at our Manchester venue in Pendlebury, or on site anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Pick the IPAF category for your machine — scissor lift, cherry picker or boom. Not sure? Call and we'll advise.
Send an enquiry or call us, and we'll confirm a date at our Manchester venue in Pendlebury, or on site for groups.
Complete theory and a practical assessment in each category, then receive your IPAF PAL card, valid for 5 years.
IPAF training in Manchester is the qualification most sites in the city now expect before anyone operates a mobile elevating work platform. From apartment towers going up in the city centre to warehouse fit-outs along the M60 and M62, powered access is on almost every job, and so is the PAL card check at the gate.
IPAF groups machines into categories, and a PAL card lists each one you are qualified on. 3a covers mobile verticals such as scissor lifts. 3b covers mobile booms, often called cherry pickers. 1b covers static booms, such as vehicle-mounted and trailer-mounted platforms that work on outriggers. PAV covers push-around verticals used for low-level work indoors. Most delegates book the categories they use, and many take 3a and 3b together.
Every IPAF operator course combines theory with practical time on the machine. Delegates learn pre-use inspection, safe operation, hazard awareness and emergency procedures, then complete a practical assessment in each category. Pass, and you receive the IPAF PAL card, recognised across the UK and internationally.
Anyone working from a boom needs to wear and use a harness correctly. IPAF Harness for MEWPs runs at the same venue and books neatly alongside 3b or 1b.
Courses run at our training centre at Agecroft Enterprise Park, 2 Shearer Way, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 8WA, a short drive from Junction 17 of the M60. That puts it within easy reach of Salford, Swinton, Eccles, Prestwich, Bury, Bolton and Wigan, as well as Manchester city centre, MediaCityUK and Trafford Park. Clifton station is about a mile away for anyone travelling by train.
When you pass, your IPAF PAL card is issued the same day as an ePAL in IPAF's free app, so you can show it at the site gate the next morning. The card is valid for five years. Courses run Monday to Saturday, so operatives can train on a Saturday without losing a working day on site.
There are three ways to train. The full classroom course covers theory and practical at our centre. Alternatively, you can complete the theory online first and then attend a shorter practical session in Pendlebury. For groups of four or more, we bring the course to your premises anywhere in Greater Manchester, provided you have suitable machines and space.
The theory session covers the regulations, the machine and the hazards. After that, the practical puts you on the machine for pre-use inspection, controls, positioning, working at height and emergency lowering. Each category finishes with its own practical assessment. Wear safety boots and clothing suitable for practical work, and your booking confirmation will set out anything else to bring.
It depends on the machine. For scissor lifts, take 3a. For booms or cherry pickers, take 3b. For vehicle- or trailer-mounted platforms, take 1b. For push-around verticals, take PAV. Tell us what you'll be operating and we'll confirm.
Five years from the date you pass.
Yes. Combined courses such as 3a & 3b and 1b, 3a & 3b share the theory, so adding a category adds practical time rather than a whole extra course.
At Agecroft Enterprise Park, 2 Shearer Way, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 8WA, near Junction 17 of the M60, or on your site if you have the machines.
Yes. Call 0161 533 0903 with the number of operatives and the categories they need.
The same day you pass, as an ePAL in IPAF's free app. A physical card can be requested.
Yes. Courses run Monday to Saturday at our Pendlebury training centre.
Yes. Complete the theory online first, then attend a shorter practical session at our Pendlebury centre.
All of Greater Manchester, including Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton and Wigan. On-site courses need a minimum of four delegates and suitable machines.
Yes. There is on-site parking at our Pendlebury training centre.
Single categories (3a, 3b or 1b) are £140 + VAT, 3a and 3b together £185 + VAT, all three categories £275 + VAT and PAV £100 + VAT per person. We're the best-priced training provider in Manchester and the North West: if you find the same course cheaper, call 0161 533 0903 and we'll beat it. Group rates are available for teams.
Call our team for honest advice on the right IPAF category and the next available dates. Group discounts available.
