NINE apprentices from York building services company Shepherd Engineering Services (SES) proved they were high flyers at a national event for the construction industry.

They soared high over the crowds at SED 2004, the annual site equipment display jamboree in Milton Keynes, where tall cranes gather like a convention of mighty Martian insects.

The opportunity came when Nationwide, the powered access supplier, invited SES to provide operatives for fully accredited Institute of Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) training to be given live at the show.

Over the three days, thousands of people watched as Nationwide's qualified trainers put the SES apprentices through their paces on self-propelled booms.

The accredited training included a morning session covering theory of the safe operation of powered access equipment and written test, followed by a practical afternoon session of pre-operational responsibilities and assessment.

This included the completion of a challenging course of tight turns and full boom operational manoeuvres while onlookers were given a running commentary of their every move.

Christine Wright, SES national training manager, who organised the apprentices said: "We felt this was an ideal opportunity for a selection of our apprentices to be accredited on powered access equipment. I am proud to say all nine of them passed the test.

"This now means they have achieved their PAL (Powered Access Licence) and can operate this type of equipment over the next five years, which is of great benefit to them and the company."

Updated: 10:58 Monday, June 07, 2004