LEEA’s New Year resolutions
The start of a New Year heralds fresh plans and an impetus for improvement, writes LEEA CEO Ross Moloney. This is certainly the case with LEEA as it embarks on a packed schedule of activities throughout 2019 to enhance its support for members and the way the leading association for the lifting sector promotes the industry’s capabilities to end user markets.
A key resolution is to strengthen further the support LEEA offers to its members. This will be reflected in an improved website, which will offer members and all visitors an enhanced experience and more information
This is just one way LEEA will be helping to spread knowledge in 2019; another will be through the publication of eight guidance documents.
Membership engagement is a vital part of LEEA’s remit and we will be looking for all existing development members to become full members by 2020.
Another way we have previously engaged with members is via the LEEA Roadshows. This year, we are enhancing the roadshows and turning them into travelling clinics. In addition to offering presentations from experts – both from LEEA and externally – these events will also include clinics for members run by specialists.
The key goal for the association is to raise standards either through legislation or procurement rules, and adhering to LEEA standards is a clear way to achieve this.
Part of that process will include a UK parliamentary reception for LEEA where we will recognise the 75th anniversary, in the summer.
Relatedly, building closer links with the military also allows the creation of a path for leaving members of the services to work in our sector, thus helping with recruitment issues.
A further step LEEA will take towards this end is connecting with schools over the course of 2019. The scarcity of careers advisors means teachers themselves are often the source of careers advice. Obviously busy teachers cannot be in touch with every job out there, so it is vital that we take the initiative to engage with schools, and promote what we are about and the opportunities available.
For many school leavers, apprenticeships will offer a pathway into our sector for many so it is vital that we continue to drive momentum behind the work of the Trailblazer Working Group (TWG) to develop the apprenticeship standard for the Lifting Industry. This year we are looking to have the standard submitted and agreed.
Last, but by no means least, the association will be building on the successes of 2018’s LiftEx and the LEEA Awards.
This is just a taste of the initiatives LEEA is working on that will make for an exciting and memorable year ahead. Watch this space for updates.
