Vertical Horizonz New Zealand (VHNZ) are proud to have been confirmed as an Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) Trainer Member. VHNZ can now train levels 1 – 3 IRATA, an internationally recognised rope access qualification.
IRATA is recognised as the world’s leading authority on industrial rope access. It has over 400 member companies around the world and has trained in excess of 100,000 rope access Technicians worldwide. IRATA directs and regulates, through its members, the training of all workers seeking its qualifications. These member companies provide training, operational services, or both (read more on the IRATA 'About Us' page). IRATA is focussed on ensuring the continued safety of rope access personnel worldwide through strict work guidelines and thorough training which has led to its membership growing year on year.
The IRATA focus of keeping ropes technicians safe marries nicely to our own VHNZ ethos of safety and certainty. To officially become an IRATA Trainer Member is another way for us to offer real training that saves New Zealanders lives. VHNZ was only appointed after a robust and comprehensive audit process that covered all things safety, compliance, trainer competency, insurance, privacy, and equipment. No stone was left unturned, no carabiner left unchecked, to ensure VHNZ could meet the international standards set by IRATA.
VHNZ IRATA trainer, Michael Felton, told us what it takes to train in IRATA and why you should consider it.
“No prerequisites are required to train in IRATA – Level 1, but to proceed to Level 2 training you must have at least 1000 hours and 12 months experience on ropes. To level up again to Level 3 training requires 1000 hours and another 12 months experience on ropes.” Says Michael.
Michael explains that anyone with a trade, wanting to diversify and advance their career should consider IRATA training.
“There is such a huge demand here for qualified abseilers in New Zealand that job opportunities will open up to those who have trained in IRATA".
Being an internationally recognised qualification, IRATA on a resume opens doors all over the world. The stringent auditing process for ALL IRATA Trainer Members mean employers can trust that anyone trained in IRATA has been trained to the same strict level.
“Every near miss on an IRATA course is reported to IRATA International allowing them to see trends worldwide and release best practice information to all their members. This information is invaluable to both employers and those on the tools” says Michael.
IRATA can ensure the high standards of its technicians along with the promotion of continual improvements to its education and training, something VHNZ is proud to now offer to its trainees.
Course Duration: 4 days
Course Cost (per person): $2,200
If you’re interested in IRATA training or have any questions please get in touch on 0800 72 33 848 or visit our VHNZ IRATA Rope Access course page. You can also check out our other ropes courses by clicking here.
Below images: Michael carrying out an inspection and corrosion repairs on the Siemens turbines at the Meridian west wind farm in Makara, Wellington.
