HSS Training’s National Training Manager, Debbie Forbes, has been named as a finalist for IPAF Training Instructor of the Year at the 2026 International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs). 

Debbie is one of four instructors from around the world shortlisted for the award, which recognises an IPAF certified instructor who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the training programme, memorable instruction techniques and consistent high quality training.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Istanbul on 15 October 2026.

Debbie has worked in the powered access industry for more than 20 years, having first entered the sector in 2003 following a career in the police. She joined HSS Training over 20 years ago, initially working as an instructor before progressing to Regional Training Manager and then National Training Manager for the South. Today, she is responsible for a team of almost 50 trainers delivering courses across work at height, lifting and wider health and safety disciplines.

Debbie continues to remain closely involved in training delivery and regularly returns to the classroom and site. She believes this ongoing practical experience is central to understanding the challenges faced by both HSS trainers and the people attending their courses.

Debbie said: “Being shortlisted is a lovely feeling and I am genuinely proud of the nomination. It means a great deal to know that the people I work with believe in what I do and have put me forward because they think I am good enough.

“I still go out and train, so I experience exactly what our instructors experience. I am outside when it is raining, freezing cold or boiling hot, dealing with equipment and the realities of delivering training on site. I think that helps me retain the respect of the trainers I manage because I still do what they do.”

Throughout her career, Debbie has seen attitudes towards women in powered access and work at height training gradually change. When she first began instructing, delegates would occasionally enter the classroom and ask when the instructor was arriving. She often felt she had only a few minutes to demonstrate her knowledge and establish her credibility.

While women remain underrepresented, Debbie says more are now progressing into roles as instructors, mentors and industry leaders.

She added: “It has always been a very male dominated industry, but there are more women coming through now and that is great to see. The job is about your knowledge, your ability to communicate and your commitment to helping people work safely.

“A woman once came up to me at an industry meeting and said she was going to become a PASMA instructor because of me. That was quite a moment. You do not always realise the influence you might have just by being visible and doing your job.

“My advice to any woman thinking about entering the industry would be to know your subject, do the work and reach out to the women who are already here. There is a supportive network and the opportunities are growing.”

Debbie also contributes to the wider work at height sector through her role as Chair of the PASMA Training Committee. She sees mentoring as an important part of her role and is passionate about helping instructors develop the knowledge and confidence needed to deliver effective training.

“Good training is not about helping someone tick a box,” she said. “It is about making sure people understand the equipment, recognise the risks and have the confidence to work safely. If I win in Istanbul, that will be fantastic, but whatever happens, nobody can take the nomination away. I am very proud to have made the shortlist.”

The IAPAs are jointly organised by the International Powered Access Federation and Access International. The independently judged awards celebrate excellence and best practice across the global powered access industry.