Pupils shown platform for careers success at school Futures Day
Powered access and telehandler hire specialist Summit Platforms joined a junior schools’ Futures Day to show pupils their career opportunities could be on the up if they consider working in the powered access industry.
The company took a cherry picker and a scissor lift along to Hilltop Junior School, in Wickford to demonstrate how they are used and got an excited response from pupils.
Amy Taylor, Manager of the Summit Platforms London East depot, said: "It was wonderful to see the children so engaged and excited about the equipment.
“Their curiosity and eagerness to learn about what we do were truly inspiring. We are delighted to have received such positive feedback from the school, and are very pleased to have been invited back to next year’s Futures Day."
The annual event invites employers from a range of industries to provide children with insights into different career paths. In particular, it aims to broaden their horizons by sharing ideas about careers they might not typically encounter.
A Day of Discovery and Learning
Summit Platforms, a leading national powered access hire specialist, with 11 depots located across the UK, took the opportunity to educate the young students about their industry.
For safety reasons, none of the children were taken to height or were allowed to drive a platform, but they were thrilled to explore machines, under supervision.
Summit Platforms' team demonstrated the access platforms and explained the many different fulfilling careers young people can embark on in the powered access industry including; engineering, logistics, technical sales, and customer service.
Bridging Education and Industry
Summit Platforms' participation in Futures Day underlines the importance of establishing positive links between education and industry to show young people the wide variety of careers open to them, said company director James Watson.
He added: "Initiatives like Futures Day are excellent opportunities for us, as a company and an industry. As a fast growing and dynamic business, we want to attract the best and most talented young people to work for us.
“Powered access and access hire are not industries that are front of mind for young people as they make their career choices. So we’re very happy to visit schools and colleges to make the case, and we find many young people are impressed with what we have to offer.”
Creating Future Engineers
Summit Platforms also fosters talent through its apprenticeship programme. This scheme offers 3 years of training on the IPAF Level 3 Lift, Truck and Powered Access Technician course, ultimately qualifying candidates as service engineers.
The programme aims to develop the engineering talent needed to maintain high standards of customer service and support the company’s growth.