The LEIA Competency Plan – Interim (LCP) was devised by a group of employer members of LEIA to demonstrate a systematic means of recording the competence of operatives in the lift and escalator industry. The LCP is based upon the premise that all operatives should be competent to undertake the work that they are given.
The UK National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) are currently recognised as the de facto qualification showing evidence of competence, requiring as they do, an assessment by an independent assessor, of demonstrable competence whilst at work. For this reason, the NVQ has been taken as the benchmark to which all operatives should aspire.
New starters to the industry and those looking to improve their position are covered by this Interim Plan.
Other qualifications gained before the NVQ was created will still be recognised as valid.
The LCP requires that all new starters and improvers, with the exception of those employed only as mates, and who are expected to remain as mates, should be registered on an NVQ within 2 years and should work towards achieving a Level 2 (Stairlift, Lifting Platform, Service Lift) or Level 3 (Lift, Escalator) NVQ within 5 years of starting.
All new starters and improvers (including mates) are expected to register on and complete the basic safety qualification EOR’N’ in an appropriate discipline within 1 year of starting.
The LCP is not intended to disenfranchise those older operatives, without a qualification, who may have demonstrated their competence to their employer. Further development of this Plan will cover those operatives.