Digitisation and New Regulations Top of Agenda as Lift Associations Meet in Dublin

Dublin, 25 February 2025 – The Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) is hosting an important industry meeting with Mr. Wim Koster and Mr. Luca Pezzini, respectively President and Secretary General of the European Lift Association (ELA), and Mr. George Jackson and Mr. Nick Mellor, respectively Board Member and Managing Director of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), on Tuesday, 25th February, at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin.

This high-level meeting will bring together key industry representatives from Europe, the UK and Ireland, including Mr. Giles Lord, Chairman of ILEA and Director of Byrne Lifts, to discuss regulatory updates at UK and EU levels, evolving industry standards, and technological advancements in the lift and escalator sector.  A particular focus will be on the benefits of digitisation, which is enhancing safety through predictive maintenance and reducing operational downtime.

The European Lift Association (ELA) represents the lift and escalator industry across Europe, working closely with EU institutions on regulations, sustainability, energy efficiency, and safety standards. The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) plays a crucial role in advancing industry standards in the UK by promoting safety, skills development, sector collaboration, and excellence in quality and workmanship. The Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) represents over 80% of lifts and escalators in Ireland and plays a central role in ensuring compliance with European safety standards, advocating for regulatory improvements, and driving technical innovation in the sector.

With lifts and escalators facilitating over 6.25 million passenger journeys daily in Ireland, their safety and reliability are more critical than ever, especially with a growing and aging population.

Industry Leaders Emphasise the Importance of Regulatory and Technological Alignment

Speaking ahead of the meeting, ILEA Chairman Mr. Giles Lord underscored the importance of international collaboration: "As Ireland’s skyline continues to grow, the need for safe and efficient vertical transportation is more critical than ever. Engaging with the European Lift Association and the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association allows us to align with best practices, anticipate regulatory changes, and embrace technological advancements, particularly in digitisation.  This meeting is a key opportunity to ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of a safe and efficient lift and escalator sector.”

Mr. Wim Koster, President of the European Lift Association, highlighted the importance of collaboration at a European level: "Ireland is an important market for the European lift and escalator industry, and we see the ILEA playing a vital role in driving innovation and maintaining high standards, ensuring that Ireland is aligned with other European Member States.”

Adding a UK perspective, Mr. Nick Mellor, Managing Director of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), stated: "The lift and escalator industry is evolving rapidly, with digitisation and regulatory developments shaping its future. Collaboration between the UK, Ireland, and European partners is vital to ensuring that safety, skills development, and technological advancements continue to drive excellence across all markets."

With digitisation, predictive maintenance, and evolving regulatory frameworks transforming the industry, this meeting marks an important opportunity for Irish, UK, and European businesses to stay ahead of the curve.

(Photographs by photographer Ms. Sarai Olivier)

The Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) hosted an important industry meeting with the European Lift Association (ELA) and the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) on Tuesday, 25th February, at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin.

(L-R): Mr. Wim Koster, President of the European Lift Association (ELA); Mr. George Jackson, Board Member of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA); Mr. David Bourke, Owner and Managing Director, Accel Lifts; Mr. Giles Lord, Chairman of the Irish Lift and Escalator Association and Joint Owner and Director of Byrne LIfts; Mr. Niall Whitty, Regional Director, Orona MWL Ireland; Mr. Nick Mellor, Managing Director of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA); and Mr. Luca Pezzini, Secretary General of the European Lift Association (ELA)

Apprenticeships

Version 1.2 of the Lift and Escalator Apprenticeship Standard set to go live!  The LEIA Employer Group is pleased to announce that the sector’s flagship apprenticeship has been officially approved by the Secretary of State and the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education, following an extensive period of re-development.

The Standard will now be known as Lift and Escalator Engineering, as this was considered the best title to reflect the role being represented. It has had a significant overhaul to better support the evolving industry.

The updated version will include assessments allowing apprentices to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and behaviour more effectively.

Apprentices will now need to complete:
• A knowledge test
• A practical assessment
• A professional discussion underpinned by a showcase portfolio.

In line with current guidance, the mandatory NVQ qualification is now removed from being a requirement of the apprenticeship.

In addition to the content and assessment changes, the Standard has been awarded a new funding band of £25,000, a £4,000 uplift to the current version.

The standard will be open for registrations 01 April 2025. 

Co-Chair of the Employer Group, Tim Collins, Technical Training Manager, Stannah, said: “We are delighted to announce the approval of the updated apprenticeship standard. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated employers and stakeholders of the trailblazer group.”

Fellow Chair, Leigh Davies, Technical Learning & Development Manager, Otis, added, “This milestone not only addresses the evolving needs of our industry, but also paves the way for attracting new talent and enhancing the skills of our current workforce. Together we are setting a new benchmark for excellence and professionalism in our field.”

Nick Mellor, LEIA Managing Director, concluded, “The revision allowed the Employer Group to embed more elements for building and fire safety and to make the standard better fit for the needs of apprentices and their employers.”

The LEIA Employer Group comprises employers from the sector who work collectively to write the sector-side apprenticeship standard.  More information will be provided on the content of the new Standard and practical application of the changes at LEIA’s inaugural Education and Training Seminar on 1st April.

IQA wanted

LEIA Assessment is looking for an IQA to lead Quality Assurance within our micro EPAO (end point assessment organisation).

The post holder will be responsible for:
- Quality assuring our main lift and escalator based standard
- Leading the small team of IQAs and assessors supported by a dedicated EPA Coordinator
- Supporting new assessors to develop
- Planning and delivering standardisation sessions annually
- Ensuring all sampling plans are completed
- Managing the assessment team's ongoing CPD, development, observations of assessment and risk ratings
- Compliance with the Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition (within the scope of quality)

The ideal candidate will at the very least have an electrical / mechanical engineering background, although experience within lifts and escalators is preferred and already hold an IQA qualification with demonstrable experience working within the field of QA.

The terms and hours can be discussed as this is not a full-time role and we operate an Associate model.

Please contact epa@leia.co.uk for more information if you have specific questions, or attach a copy of your CV and current work status / requirements.