IPAF 3b training in Manchester for cherry pickers and mobile booms, at our Pendlebury training centre or on your site, with a same-day ePAL.
IPAF 3b training in Manchester qualifies you to operate mobile booms, the self-propelled cherry pickers that reach up and out as well as straight up. On facades, steel frames, atriums and car parks across Greater Manchester, a boom is what gets an operative to work that a scissor lift can't reach.
Reaching out rather than straight up changes the risks. Operators have to manage outreach and stability, slewing near structures, the risk of being crushed against something overhead, and being thrown from the basket if the machine is jolted. Those are the heart of the 3b course, alongside inspection, travel and emergency lowering.
Working from a boom normally means wearing a harness with a short restraint lanyard clipped to the basket's anchor point. The 3b course covers why, and IPAF Harness for MEWPs goes into fitting, inspection and use in detail. Many delegates book both.
Theory first, then practical time on a boom covering inspection, positioning, raising, slewing, telescoping and working at height, finishing with an assessment. 3b is added to your PAL card when you pass.
Our training centre at Agecroft, Pendlebury sits a short drive from Junction 17 of the M60. That makes it easy to reach from city-centre towers, MediaCityUK and the industrial estates around Bolton, Bury and Trafford Park. Courses run Monday to Saturday, which means boom operators can qualify on a Saturday without taking a crew off site.
You can complete the theory online before the day, then attend a shorter practical session at the centre. The practical assessment on the boom is exactly the same whichever way you take the theory.
Pass, and 3b is issued on your PAL card the same day as an ePAL, valid for five years. If you also need 3a, it is better value to book 3a and 3b together than to add it later.
Pick a course type below to see the next available dates and book online.
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 (eLearning), then attend a shorter practical-only session at our Manchester venue to finish your assessment.
How it works: Weekend courses for those 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
A mobile boom: a self-propelled platform with an arm that raises the basket up and out. These are usually called cherry pickers, whether articulated or telescopic.
Half a day to one day, including theory, practical and assessment.
Normally, yes. Boom operators wear a harness with a restraint lanyard attached to the basket anchor point. We run IPAF Harness for MEWPs at the same venue.
There is more to manage, including outreach, slewing and crush risks, but the course is built to take you through it step by step.
If you'll also use scissor lifts, yes. The combined 3a & 3b course shares the theory.
At Pendlebury, near Junction 17 of the M60, or on your site in Greater Manchester.
Yes. Complete the theory online first, then attend a shorter practical session on the boom at our Pendlebury centre.
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 centre.
Full-day courses run from 8am to 4pm, and half-day sessions from 8am to 1pm.
£140 + 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.
Book your place online, or call our team for honest advice and the next available dates. Group discounts and onsite training available.
