RSS Training Academy Rebrand Aligns with LEEA State of the Lifting Industry Report

Meagan Wood
Oct 27, 2025
4 min read

30 Second Takeaway

Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd (RSS) has rebranded the RSS Training Academy to better align its training programmes with industry feedback and the findings of the LEEA State of the Lifting Industry Report. The move strengthens RSS’s focus on competence, compliance and digital training delivery, addressing critical skills and safety gaps identified across the lifting sector.

Training and Competence Under the Spotlight

Training and competence have become defining issues for the global lifting industry. According to the LEEA State of the Lifting Industry Report, more than 70% of respondents believe their organisations could do more to ensure lifting operators consistently work to the highest safety standards.

The report also highlights ongoing challenges, including skills shortages, limited training pathways and a lack of industry awareness among the next generation. These findings have reinforced the need for high-quality, accessible training that reflects real-world lifting operations.

RSS Training Academy Rebrand and Strategic Focus

RSS has rebranded its Training Academy to ensure course content and delivery are directly aligned with industry needs and the insights contained within the LEEA report.

The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of lifting and rigging products, training services and digital compliance technology, alongside its live365 digitalisation platform. RSS supplies blocks, shackles, hooks, slings, harnesses and other rigging equipment each subject to LOLER 1998 inspections to major UK infrastructure projects and blue-chip organisations.

RSS is also a member of LEEA’s Accredited Training Scheme (ATS), which provides assurance that training is delivered by qualified instructors using high-quality materials and facilities. ATS status is only awarded to organisations demonstrating robust course design, experienced trainers and effective learning environments.

Responding to Industry Feedback and Pre-Use Checks

In addition to responding to the LEEA report, RSS has incorporated direct feedback from lifting equipment end users. One recurring request has been for enhanced training focused on pre-use checks.

Building on the existing digital pre-use check functionality available through the live365 portal, RSS Training Academy and live365 have jointly developed a new online pre-use check course. The course will be available to all RSS customers following LiftEx 2025 (18–19 November).

Further safe-use training modules are scheduled to launch in early 2026. By digitalising these programmes, RSS aims to improve accessibility, consistency and safety awareness across the lifting industry.

Training Infrastructure and Delivery

The RSS Training Academy is led by Andy Hawkins, Training Manager and LEEA-accredited trainer, supported by Ephraim Katjikuru. Hawkins is a former Appointed Person (AP) with experience across international infrastructure groups, joint ventures and consortiums.

An AP is responsible for the planning and safe execution of lifting operations, and Hawkins’ background includes the investigation of lifting incidents and live rescue operations. He has once again been shortlisted for LEEA’s Trainer of the Year The Craig Morelli Award, ahead of November’s presentation.

The academy currently delivers six core courses, including Person in Charge of Lifting Operations (PICOLO), as well as training covering gantry cranes, rigging and slinging. Courses are delivered either through RSS’s national depot network or directly at customer sites, with bespoke training programmes available to meet specific operational requirements.

Real-World Experience Shaping Course Content

Hawkins emphasised the importance of experience-led training:

“I wasn’t surprised by the findings of LEEA’s report, publication of which chimed with the rebrand of the RSS Training Academy. As an AP, I thought the training I was exposed to was comprehensive, yet, I have investigated approximately 15 lifting related incidents and carried out a live rescue. Only having gained more experience and immersing myself in LEEA-accredited courses, have the limitations of my original training and the enduring scarcity of world-class courseware more generally became more apparent to me.”

RSS training courses are designed around real-world scenarios encountered by crane operators, riggers and slingers. Each programme balances theoretical instruction with practical application, and delegates receive pocket guides to support safe working practices beyond the classroom.

Supporting Safer Lifting and Career Development

By strengthening its training offering, RSS aims to improve safety outcomes while supporting professional development across the industry. Improved competence not only reduces risk but also enhances employability and long-term career progression within the lifting and rigging sector.

About Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd

Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd is a UK-based supplier of lifting and rigging equipment, training services and digital compliance solutions. The company supports major infrastructure, construction and industrial projects with LEEA-accredited training, LOLER-compliant equipment and the live365 digital compliance platform.

Visit website: https://www.rss-ltd.co.uk