Safe, Reliable, Efficient: The IUEC Approach to Moving Walkways

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An essential system of daily transportation, the moving walkway escorts millions of passengers to their destinations every year. As a functional, efficient and expedient way for individuals to manage the often overwhelming landscapes of major airports – as well as other pedestrian-congested hubs throughout the world – these efficient people movers provide their users with the reliable and safe passage they demand and deserve.

But what is involved in keeping these critical systems running safely and efficiently? And how best to ensure moving walks are maintained with the highest standards?

What Are Moving Walkways?

Moving walkways are passenger-carrying devices on which individuals stand or walk: the surface of which remains parallel to its direction of motion in an uninterrupted manner. These systems are specifically designed for horizontal transportation over short to medium distances, making them ideal for airports, transit terminals, or other high-traffic facilities.

Moving walkways have a rather lengthy history, first debuting most notably, at special demonstration exhibitions of the Chicago and Paris Expositions in 1893 and 1900. A testament to their longevity and enduring value, fast forward well over a century, and today, they are commonly found in supermarkets and shopping malls, airports and train stations all over the world.

Developed originally as a way to simply reduce heavy foot traffic, moving walkways have expanded their reach into additional areas of benefit:

Increased Mobility Access: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 27 million people with disabilities traveled by air in 2019.¹ With these increasing and important accessibility considerations, moving walkways provide much needed assistance for individuals with mobility barriers, including: those with disabilities, the elderly, travelers with heavy luggage, or anyone who may have difficulty walking long distances. Ultimately, these systems allow for more inclusive and user-friendly access for all passengers.

Improved Passenger Experience: Moving walkways facilitate orderly travel. Pedestrians are afforded the chance to move with consistency and ease without the inherent challenges of navigating a completely open landscape: i.e., travelers walking at different speeds, or in congested areas. The result is a smoother, more predictable flow through busy terminals.

Technical Specifications: Moving Walks Built for Performance

Modern moving walkways are designed to take into account the unique environment and needs of their particular use. Below are two leading IUEC manufacturers, Otis and Schindler, and the associated specifications as a point of reference for their respective systems:

Otis Elevator Company²

  • Maximum length: 262 feet
  • Inclination: 0 to 3 degrees (10 and 12 degrees available on special request)
  • Pallet widths (where people stand): 32 inches and 40 inches
  • Speed: 100 feet per minute (higher speeds available on special request)

Schindler Elevator Company³

  • Maximum length: 328 feet
  • Angle of inclination: 0 to 3 degrees
  • Balustrade height: 36 inches to 39 ⅜ inches
  • Width(s): 40 inches, 48 inches, and 56 inches

Kone and Mitsubishi are also suppliers of moving walkways with their own specifications. The bottom line: these systems are engineered to meet the facility requirements and passenger capacity needs.

The Importance of Professional Maintenance

It will come as no surprise that moving walkways require specialized maintenance. The safety and reliability of these transportation devices depends on the expertise of the professionals who maintain them – it’s that very expertise that ultimately influences and impacts both system performance as well as passenger safety.

IUEC Training on Moving Walkway Systems

The National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) provides specialized training to IUEC elevator constructors through course 830. This specific course, which is part of the required curriculum for all IUEC apprentices, covers moving walkway systems in detail. It is also available to IUEC mechanics.

IUEC members are trained by NEIEP to install, maintain, and repair these complex systems. This specialized education covers:

  • System-specific maintenance protocols for different moving walkway technologies
  • Advanced safety procedures specific to horizontal transportation systems
  • Regulatory compliance requirements and inspection protocols
  • Emergency response procedures for passenger safety situations

Maintenance Control Program (MCP) Compliance

Moving walkway maintenance should always be performed in accordance with a Maintenance Control Program (MCP), following ASME code requirements in your jurisdiction, and as enforced by your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). These latter regulatory requirements ensure passenger safety and system reliability.

IUEC elevator constructors understand these complex regulatory requirements – they maintain the compliance standards necessary to keep your systems operating reliably and safely.

The IUEC Elevator Constructor Advantage

While there are numerous advantages to having moving walkway systems maintained by IUEC elevator constructors, let’s take a look at four specifically:

Comprehensive Training

As previously noted, specialization is critical when engaging with these passenger-carrying devices. To that end, IUEC elevator constructors’ extensive training through NEIEP’s Course 830 ensures they have a mastery of the following:

  • Specific moving walkway technologies and components
  • Maintenance requirements
  • Advanced troubleshooting techniques
  • Regulatory compliance processes

Uncompromising Safety Standards

Safety isn’t negotiable. And with the countless number of passengers using these systems daily, it must be at the forefront of concern and consideration. For IUEC elevator constructors, safety protocols – developed and maintained through decades of industry experience – are the very backbone of how they operate. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Rigorous safety inspection procedures
  • Hazard identification and mitigation
  • Emergency response protocols
  • Conformance to all applicable safety codes and regulations

Continuing Education

The ever-changing landscape of technology demands an equally up-to-date workforce. As new technologies continue to develop, those that apply to moving walkways must continue to evolve alongside them. To that end, IUEC elevator constructors participate in continuing education programs that keep them current with:

  • Emerging technologies and corresponding maintenance techniques
  • Updated safety codes and regulations
  • Advanced diagnostic and repair procedures
  • Industry-best practices and innovations

Business Case for Professional Care

Above we highlighted several reasons why choosing IUEC elevator constructors for maintenance and repair is the smart choice. For airport managers and facility operators alike, all of these add up to directly impacting three foundational aspects of business: operations, financials, and safety.

Operational Reliability

  • Reduced downtime: Expert maintenance helps prevent system failures, including most critically during peak periods of travel
  • Predictable performance: Consistent scheduling of professional maintenance reduces and can eliminate unexpected disruptions
  • Extended life: These systems are substantial investments: proper maintenance protects and prolongs their lifespan

Financial Impact

  • Reduced long-term costs: Preventive maintenance eliminates expensive emergency repairs
  • Energy efficiency: Well-maintained systems operate more consistently and efficiently, reducing overall operational costs
  • Liability protection: Professional maintenance and its associated documentation protects against potential legal ramifications

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

  • Code adherence: Professional maintenance ensures compliance with ASME codes and local AHJ requirements
  • Inspection readiness: Proper documentation and maintenance records support regulatory inspections
  • Risk management: Professional expertise minimizes safety-related incidents and associated liability

Moving Walkway Industry Growth and Challenges

Driven by new technology, rising urbanization and associated infrastructure development – by way of both private and government agencies – growth is on the horizon for this industry. In 2024 alone, the global market was estimated at $4.2 billion; it is predicted to grow at ~5% annually to reach $6.8 billion by 2034.⁴ This trajectory clearly reflects the recognition of moving walkways as essential infrastructure: whether in airports, transit systems, or other types of commercial facilities worldwide.

Growing pains are sure to follow, however, as this aging industry isn’t without its fair share of challenges. Several evolving realities will require continued professional knowledge and intervention:

Aging Infrastructure: Many systems installed in the 1990s and 2000s require creative maintenance strategies to extend operational life while adhering to safety standards.

Increased Volume: Growing air travel and general facility usage require systems that can manage higher capacity loads than originally intended, ultimately necessitating expert maintenance to ensure continued safe operation.

Enhanced Safety Requirements: Evolving safety codes and accessibility standards require ongoing professional development to ensure compliance.

Making the Right Choice for Your Facility

Moving walkways constitute vital transportation infrastructure, connecting travelers to their destinations. Whether you’re managing an airport, commercial facility, or some other transit complex, professional maintenance and service is a must – it directly impacts passenger safety, system reliability, financial investments, and ultimately your facility’s reputation.

As we’ve outlined above, when evaluating conveyance system maintenance providers, it’s important to prioritize:

  • Specialized NEIEP training in moving walkway technology
  • Proven safety protocols and comprehensive, accompanying documentation
  • MCP compliance expertise and regulatory knowledge
  • 24/7 emergency response capabilities for critical transportation facilities
  • Ongoing professional development to stay current with evolving technologies

For the millions of travelers globally who depend on transportation systems, moving walkways and the specialized IUEC elevator constructors that service them ensure that at least a part of their journey continues smoothly, unencumbered, safe, and stress free.

 

References:
1U.S. Government Accountability Office. “Passengers with Disabilities: Barriers to Accessible Air Travel Remain.” Available at: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106358
2Otis. “Escalators and Moving Walkways.” https://www.otis.com/en/us/products-services/products/escalators-and-moving-walks
3Schindler. “Horizontal Walk for Moving Transit.” https://www.schindler.com/en/escalators-moving-walks/moving-walk/schindler-9500-horizontal.html
4Global Market Insights. “Moving Walkways Market Size & Share, Statistics Report-2032.” Available at: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/moving-walkways-market

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Houston’s IUEC Local 31 Showcases Upgraded Training Center and a New Mobile Welding Facility

International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 31 (Houston, TX) recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of their newly modernized training facility and a state-of-the-art mobile welding unit that will be used to train and certify elevator constructors across Texas.

Elevator constructor apprentices and mechanics, along with officers from the Local, IUEC leadership, Texas building trades organizations, and Harris County government officials gathered to tour the facility and learn more about how the IUEC’s National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program that trains new apprentices in the fundamentals of conveyance industry work and provides Continuing Education and industry certifications for mechanics, is at the forefront of the vertical transportation industry’s most advanced training.

“As mayor, I could be at a hundred places right now, but this is where I want to be – and this is where I need to be,” said John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston, TX, who visited Local 31’s union hall to tour the NEIEP classrooms and speak to those who had gathered for the event.

IUEC Local 31 Business Representative Jonathan Balderas led us through a tour of the building, beginning with the museum area set up in the lobby. In the museum area, there are displays featuring plaques and awards the Local has received for their work in the community along with a variety of historical elevator equipment. (It’s a similar setup to what one would find in the Elevator History Museum at the NEIEP Instructor Training Center in Warwick, RI). “This has been a dream of ours for the last decade,” Jonathan said.

IUEC Local 31’s training facility houses several NEIEP classrooms in which apprentices attend weekly hands-on training sessions that teach them the fundamentals of elevator construction, service, repair, and modernization, and journeyman mechanics participate in continuing education courses to sharpen their skills and earn the industry certifications they need.

As part of a national ‘Classroom 2.0’ initiative led by NEIEP Executive Director David Morgan, NEIEP classrooms across the United States are being upgraded to create an improved learning experience for students that is standardized in all NEIEP classrooms. From better tables and chairs for learners, to smartboards instructors use to facilitate interactive virtual training activities, to hands-on practical lab activities tailored for each semester’s curriculum, these new and improved classrooms provide an ideal setting for elevator constructor apprentices to learn the basics of the trade and mechanics seeking to expand their skill sets.

Ryan Schuett, Business Manager for IUEC Local 31, was proud to bring Classroom 2.0 to Houston. “Wherever you go throughout the nation,” he said, “this is what a NEIEP classroom is going to look like.”

Along with NEIEP Assistant Executive Director John Caughey, NEIEP Director David Morgan traveled from the program’s headquarters in Attleboro Falls, Massachusetts, to Houston to attend the opening ceremony. He demonstrated for us one of NEIEP’s classroom labs that students use to practice basic wiring techniques elevator constructors use in the field.  “We really like the way that local 31 has taken these labs where the students can actually come on and wire this lab up, get to the back, make sure that they’ve done everything right,” he said.

Assistant Director Caughey showed us the Virtual Hydraulic Lab (VHCL) Simulator, a popular lab used in a continuing education course for mechanics. Adjusting the valve systems in a hydraulic elevator requires an advanced level of skill, and attempting to perform this work on operational equipment in the field can be a daunting task for those who are new to the trade. Having the opportunity to practice on real elevator valve equipment in a safe, controlled environment allows them to get a feel for the work before attempting to make adjustments in the field for the first time.  “The beauty of having the valve simulator here – it’s a comfortable environment for the instructor and the students to adjust the valve without having to affect a running elevator,” he said.

Jonathan then took us through the NEIEP classrooms, where IUEC elevator constructor apprentices and mechanics attend courses. “So this is a standard classroom setup, lockout (tagout) stations, safety posters with the Nine Safety Absolutes,” he said.

He explained how instructors incorporate NEIEP’s hands-on practical labs into their regular learning activities, and demonstrated the use of a new Motor Starter Lab for the curriculum of Semester 400, where apprentices learn how AC motors work.  “We use this station for our motor starter lab,” he said, “so our apprentices will be able to have the availability to wire different configurations (including wye, delta, and wye-delta) of motors.”

In addition to the hands-on labs, NEIEP Executive Director David Morgan introduced some of the program’s new virtual training tools, such as the Virtual Hydraulic Controller Lab, which was developed as an advanced version of a troubleshooting tool based on an existing hydraulic elevator control lab. NEIEP’s Virtual Hydraulic Controller Lab course teaches troubleshooting methods through numerous fault scenarios, each representing a separate trouble call that requires demonstration of a logical procedure for finding the fault.

“This virtual environment will allow an apprentice and /or a mechanic to go in and actually troubleshoot an elevator and all its components,” said David Morgan.

NEIEP Instructional Designer Emily Carter demonstrated another virtual training tool, the Virtual Traction Elevator. “What I’ve got up on the board right now is our Virtual Traction Elevator environment set up to mimic what you would see in a real environment, in a safe way that they can interact with,” she said.

Beyond using VR technology in the classroom, NEIEP uses VR tools into its outreach and recruitment efforts, too. Lester White, Head of Development at NEIEP, showed us NEIEP’s VR recruitment tools. David Morgan explained how helpful this is at events like the recent Skills USA conference, where the most talented vocational high school students from across the U.S. gather to compete in construction and technology challenges. NEIEP attends Skills USA every year to recruit the best and brightest young people into the trade.

“That virtual is priceless,” he said. “We’re able to show the general public what it is to be an elevator constructor.”

The highlight of the event was the opening of IUEC Local 31’s brand new mobile welding facility. Funded entirely by the Harris County (TX) Commissioner’s Court in partnership with the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the mobile welding unit will provide a ten-week training and welding certification course not just for the 645 members of IUEC Local 31 in Houston, but for IUEC elevator constructors in other parts of Texas as well. “It’s the first of its kind in the United States,” he said.

NEIEP’s CE0019 Welder Training Course helps apprentices and mechanics acquire the skills to pass the 3G/4G welding certification (in accordance with AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Code), focusing on AWS SMAW certification procedure specifications.

“Bottom line is this mobile welding facility puts Local 31 at the front of the pack, not just in Houston, not just in Texas, but nationally,” said Newton Blanchard, an IUEC Regional Director who covers Texas and the southeast.

NEIEP Manager of Educational Resources Doug Cullington took us through the welding trailer and told us about the setup and purpose of the equipment within it – including four welding stations with fume extraction, vent hoods, fans, air conditioning, and heat.  “In this situation, they’re set up for an overhead weld – this would be a flat vertical, welding straight up,” he explained.

Doug told us the mobility of the welding facility was going to be a huge asset to elevator constructors in Houston and beyond. “The idea that this is mobile, we can move it from different location to different location,” he said. “Instead of having the individual – the students – traveling long distances, we can run this to them, get as certifications that possible open it to Texas…. you want to get as many certifications we can out on the street and this is the way to do it,” he said.

Jonathan Balderas thanked some of the organizations that made this possible – Harris County Texas Commissioner’s Court, the AFL-CIO, Gulf Coast, NABTU, Local 31’s apprentices and mechanics, the Elevator Industry, Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF), and NEIEP. ElevatorInfo even got a shout-out for helping to publicize the opening and share information about the training center with the elevator industry.

Christian D. Menefee, Harris Conty Attorney, spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Today is what it looks like when you take federal dollars here with organized labor, and pair that with local government. When we work together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire was optimistic about the future of the program. “We have a great city and great people and certainly organized labor has contributed to our greatness, and with a program such as this, the best is yet to come.”

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How Training and Support Are Transforming Elevator Careers in Canada

“It was a learning experience when I look back. I didn’t know any better at the time, but if I was given the opportunity, I wouldn’t go back. There’s no question in my mind,” said Jim Miller, Business Manager at International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 50 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Jim started his career in the elevator industry in the non-union sector, where he worked for an elevator company for about a year and a half before joining the IUEC. One of the biggest differences he found in working for an IUEC-affiliated elevator company was that he gained access to Canada’s largest, most respected trainer of apprentices across the country, the Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP).

“The training I received in the non-union sector was very minimal, and it was all on-the-job,” he said. “There was no theoretical training whatsoever.”

Having worked with a number of elevator constructor apprentices and mechanics who made the switch from working at non-union elevator companies to companies affiliated with the IUEC, Mike Lacy, a Business Representative at IUEC Local 50, said the comprehensive benefits package offered by the IUEC is a major advantage to experienced elevator technicians who join the union.

“I think some of the benefits are one of the greatest assets that we’ve experienced when organizing the non-union (apprentices and mechanics),” he said. “They’re actually our best salespeople, and they’re out there spreading the word to say that you know what, these guys are here to work for us, they offer protection, we offer a book of rules, we’re here to represent, we’re here to educate, we’re here to help them move their careers forward.”

Drew Marks, a Business Representative at IUEC Local 50, agreed. “We have lots to provide and lots to offer, whether it comes to education, benefits, wages – the whole package.”

Drew also emphasized the superiority of CEIEP’s training over other elevator training programs in Canada. “We’ve had many (of) non-union individuals that have gone through the community colleges’ (elevator training) programs, and they have unequivocally told us that our education system is far superior (to) what they’ve received there. We’ve got lots to offer here. We’ve got great instructors. We have the ability to put them through the CEIEP Mechanics Exam and the TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) examination.”

There are different requirements for elevator apprenticeship training in each of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories, so CEIEP has its own national apprenticeship requirements above what all of them require to ensure that apprentices are on track with what is required in the area where they live and work (Ontario, for example, requires 720 classroom hours  – so CEIEP teaches 775 in-class hours to ensure that apprentices qualify). Once apprentices have completed their coursework, supervised work hours, and passed the capstone CEIEP Mechanic Exam, they go on to challenge the licensing exam for their region – and CEIEP is also there to support them as they prepare.

While students are required to take eight weeks off from work to complete their apprenticeship training in other Canadian trades’ apprenticeship programs, CEIEP elevator constructor apprentices work, earn money, and go to school simultaneously. They typically attend classes at night and on occasional weekend days. Because the cost associated with the program is covered by CEIEP students’ IUEC education benefit, there are no out of pocket expenses for them to attend. More information about the CEIEP curriculum can be found by clicking here.

Mike Lacy, who is also a classroom instructor in CEIEP’s apprenticeship program, talked about his experience teaching new elevator constructor apprentices in their first year in the classroom.

“I’ve been lucky enough to teach year one over the past several years, and I really enjoyed dealing with the students coming in new with very limited experience and putting them in front of the screen and putting some of the practical applications they’ve learned on the job site to show them, you know, this is where we came from,” he said.

“Our instructors are really incredible people that are always there to help our apprentices. Whether it be during the classroom or on a Saturday night if one of our apprentices has a question, they’re always glad to pick up the phone and help and that makes a big difference.”

Hands-on training is a big part of the curriculum for CEIEP as well as CEIEP’s U.S. counterpart, the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), which provides apprenticeship and continuing education courses for IUEC members. In NEIEP as well as CEIEP’s, the hands-on physical and virtual educational labs make a big difference for students who are just starting out. (For a list of FAQs for new CEIEP students, click here.)

“The theoretical portion, that hands-on portion needs to be there,” said Drew Marks. “One of the greatest advances that CEIEP has right now is by bringing in the virtual reality headsets where now every individual gets the opportunity to put the virtual reality (gear) on and interact – not be the person standing off to the side and just watching someone else do it… it gives them also an opportunity to see parts of the industry that they might not see. They could be on a construction site where all they’re doing is installing rails and door frames. Now we’re going to put them into an operational machine room or an operational pit or an operational elevating device hoistway.”

CEIEP recently launched a new 24-hour Virtual Reality Safety course, which is required for all apprentices to complete before they obtain their provincial elevator mechanics’ license. According to CEIEP Program Director Chris McIntyre, this VR training is innovative because “it allows all new hires to the industry to access the machine room, car top, an elevator pit in a safe and controlled manner before their first day of employment,” he said.

The 24-hour Virtual Reality Safety course is the first integration of a technology intended to be used in future educational modules across the national apprenticeship curriculum in Canada. “CEIEP has embraced technology. We are working with some of the companies at the forefront of VR development,” Chris told us when we interviewed him for a profile piece last year.

Safety is a big priority for the IUEC. Ben McIntyre, an International Union of Elevator Constructors International Organizer in Canada, echoed that focus on safety. “I think at the end of the day we need everybody to go home safely, so we want to make sure that they’re properly trained in safety as well. We put a lot of money into the training and safety – as we should.”

In addition to his work as an organizer, Ben is a member of the IUEC Safety Committee, an initiative developed by IUEC General President Frank Christensen that brings together union officials, industry experts, active and retired elevator inspectors, and building inspectors from across the United States and Canada to develop strategies to reduce fatalities and injuries in the elevator industry.

“We’re always trying to do our best to make sure that our members are looked after properly. It’s exciting, it changes every day. Every day we get up, there’s always a new challenge in front of us,” said Mike Lacy.

Looking to hire the best-trained elevator constructor professionals in Canada to install, maintain, service, repair, or inspect the elevators, escalators, moving walks, or other vertical transportation equipment in your building? Check out ElevatorInfo’s contractor map, where you can search for IUEC-affiliated companies by location.

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ElevatorInfo and the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF) Presenting at 2025 BOMA International Conference and Expo in Boston, MA

“We want to help them get the best service they can get – and have safe elevators for the riding public – so we’re trying to spread the word about the (International Union of Elevator Constructors) IUEC, about ElevatorInfo, and about safe conveyances across the country,” said James Demmel, Assistant National Director for the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF), speaking at in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He continued, “Here at (the) BOMA (International Conference and Expo), you have everything from skyscraper building owners to three to four story condominium owners… whether you have a billion dollar building or a couple hundred thousand dollar multifamily building with an elevator, you can get premium service, you can have the safest conveyance in the world, and we can make sure that you’re happy with your contractor and happy with your experience riding elevators”

Established in 1907, BOMA is an organization that was set up to support commercial building owners, managers, and other professionals in the field by providing opportunities for connection, education, and advocacy. Their annual International Conference and Expo is held at a different major city in the United States each year. This year, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International Conference & Expo will take place from June 28 to July 1, 2025, at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center (located at 415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210).

BOMA’s International Conference and Expo is a venue for building owners and building management representatives to come together to talk about current trends in the industry, see the latest technologies in real estate markets, and learn ways to better maintain their investments. The theme for this year’s BOMA International Conference and Expo is “Reset, Refresh, Reinvent”.

As BOMA partners, representatives from ElevatorInfo and EIWPF will be in attendance at this year’s conference in Boston. You’ll be able to find them at booth #937 as well as on the floor of the conference, connecting with building owners and managers to share information and answer questions about maintenance and service for elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other conveyance equipment in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. The 2025 conference will be the eighth time ElevatorInfo / EIWPF has participated in BOMA’s International Conference and Expo, and the first time that the group will be hosting a live presentation.

During the information / Q&A session on Monday, June 30th, from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, building owners, managers, and other real estate professionals will have the opportunity to learn about the benefits of elevator Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs) for their elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other vertical transportation equipment.

ElevatorInfo recently published a blog post on The Importance of Elevator Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs) for Building Owners and Managers. The article begins with the basics – what an MCP is, how an MCP is developed, and why these proactive maintenance plans are important for all building owners and managers to set up with their elevator service companies.

“A Maintenance Control Program (MCP) is exactly what it sounds like: a plan to ensure that an elevator, escalator, or other conveyance equipment is maintained correctly throughout its life. It contains specific written information that indicates what maintenance should be performed, how that maintenance should be performed, when it should be performed, and how often it should be performed.” – The Importance of Elevator Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs) for Building Owners and Managers, January, 2024.

“Every elevator comes from the manufacturer has recommended maintenance – and the maintenance control program is a contract you’ll sign with your elevator provider to do all of the necessary maintenance, all of the inspections, and all the upkeep to make sure that the unit that you bought is still running in 10, 15, 20 years,” said James Demmel.

“When we buy a car, we change the oil every three or five thousand miles. When you buy an elevator, what do you do? Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs) are something we can help a building owner or manager understand. The MCP tells them what they need to have done on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis to their elevators or escalators, and to make sure they are getting that coverage through their contractor. This the elevator manufactures telling you how to get the most out of their equipment.”

Topics covered during the 2025 ElevatorInfo / EIWPF Elevating Elevator Maintenance presentation will include:

  • What maintenance should be performed on your elevators, escalators, and other conveyance equipment
  • How often your conveyances should be serviced
  • Why it is important to have a building access plan
  • How a Maintenance Control Program can improve satisfaction with your elevator and escalator service
  • How you can set up a Maintenance Control Program for the conveyance equipment in your building

Maintenance control programs can be tailored to be flexible to meet the needs of your particular building, your equipment, and your schedule.

“If you’re in an apartment building or a condo,” explained James Demmel, “you’re going to be busier on the weekends. Nine to five during the week, you’re not going to have a lot of traffic – (it’s a) great time to do your maintenance. In an office building, Saturday and Sunday is a great time to do your maintenance. You can build these into your maintenance control program and that will help you get the maximum effect and maximum use time out of your elevator,” he said.

“We are here to partner with you. You will get premium service by the best IUEC-trained and qualified elevator mechanics, apprentices, and service providers to make sure your elevators, escalators, moving walks, or wheelchairs lifts are the safest they can be – with the highest standards and latest technologies – so that they experience minimal downtime, adding value to their investment.”

During and after the presentation, staff from the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF) and ElevatorInfo will be at booth #937 on the floor chatting with building owners and managers about how to connect with a service-forward, reliable elevator company experienced in setting up and implementing maintenance control programs for conveyance equipment in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.

Along with representatives from EIWPF and ElevatorInfo, some of the industry’s major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and largest elevator companies, such as Otis, Schindler, TK Elevator, KONE, Fujitec, and Mitsubishi – plus a number of IUEC-affiliated independent elevator companies, will be in attendance at the conference. They will have information booths set up on the conference floor, and will be participating in panel discussions on topics of interest for people who work in real estate and in the commercial, residential, and industrial building sector.

By working with IUEC-affiliated elevator companies, building owners and managers have access to the best-trained maintenance and service professionals in the industry. During their apprenticeship, they are enrolled in the industry’s highly respected National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), a four-plus year USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program where they complete eight semesters of college-level learning and work 8,000 supervised hours under the direction of an experienced mechanic. Once they’ve completed their coursework and earned their hours, they sit for a capstone validated Mechanic Exam they must pass to earn journeyman mechanic status.

Their education and training doesn’t end with apprenticeship – NEIEP also offers dozens of classroom-based and online continuing education courses for mechanics, where they can become certified in forklift operation, American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/First Aid/AED, OSHA 10 and 30 Construction and General Industry, SAIA Scaffolding, an ANSI-accredited Signaling and Rigging program, and more.

And a number of colleges and universities recognize the work completed as a student in the NEIEP apprenticeship program as equivalent to up to 45 college transfer credits. The Community College of Baltimore County, Ivy Tech Community College, Roger Williams University, Rowan University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Thomas Edison State University, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha are just some of the schools that have partnered with NEIEP.

Many IUEC elevator mechanics continue their education further by becoming elevator inspectors through the Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund’s ANSI-accredited Certified Elevator Inspector program. By meeting a series of prerequisites based on their experience in the elevator industry, completing an intensive training program that teaches them how to navigate and interpret ASME, NEC, and other building and safety codes, and passing the industry’s most rigorous certification exam, these elevator code experts earn a certification that qualifies them to inspect elevator and escalator equipment throughout the United States and Canada. While some open their own businesses or become state or provincial inspectors, others continue on in their work as elevator mechanics who bring an additional layer of expertise to the work they do for their companies and their customers.

If you’re in Boston at the end of June, be sure to stop by booth #937 – and, if you’re at the conference on Monday, June 30th, attend our Elevating Elevator Maintenance information / Q&A session from 2:00 – 3:00 PM to see how working with an IUEC-affiliated elevator maintenance and service company to implement a Maintenance Control Program for your elevator, escalator, and other vertical transportation equipment can improve your elevator service and reduce unplanned downtime for your building.

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Elevate Your Future: The Elevator Industry Highlights Career Opportunities at SkillsUSA NLSC 2025

Mark Your Calendars: June 23-27, 2025 | Atlanta, Georgia

The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) represents more than just a competition—it’s a national initiative designed to elevate the next generation of trades professionals. Once again, the elevator industry is rising to the occasion.

Returning to Atlanta with a booth twice the size of last year’s footprint, the elevator industry conveys a powerful message: We are here to recruit, inspire, and educate the workforce of tomorrow. Led by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII), and the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF), this year’s initiative builds on the momentum from all industry sector partners.

The Future Is in the Field – and in the Hoistway

“I want everyone that walks through this booth to understand that you can be a part of something that’s an actual career and that will benefit the rest of your life,” said Sarah Miller, NEIEP Director of Diversity, during last year’s event. That sentiment has only grown stronger.

With SkillsUSA hosting more than 18,000 students, educators, and industry leaders from across the country, the elevator industry’s immersive exhibit is designed to demystify what elevator constructors do, and why it matters.

The trade itself may be unfamiliar to many students, but it connects deeply to the skills they already possess. “Every single thing you do in vocational school could be transferred into our trade because our trade has so many domains,” said Desalia Gomes, an elevator constructor apprentice based at IUEC Local 4 in Boston, MA. Desalia came into the elevator trade through a Boston-based building trades pre-apprenticeship program called Building Pathways. From welding and electrical systems to hydraulics and safety procedures, the elevator industry encompasses a broad range of disciplines found in career and technical education (CTE) programs nationwide.

Elevating Learning Through Hands-On Experience

This year’s booth will feature NEIEP’s hands-on demonstration zone, including:

– Cutaway Valve Displays – Allowing students to see how hydraulic valves function.

– Working Elevator Hoistway Exhibit – A real-time, scaled system that visually explains how traction elevators operate.

– Escalator VR Simulators – A game-changing tool to demonstrate the mechanics of escalator systems and the safety protocols for devices students can’t typically access.

– Virtual Reality Simulations – Interactive simulations showing what elevator apprentices do across construction, maintenance, and modernization work.

“You can actually see the device safely, see how it operates, and understand the operation of the step chain… where we can’t see it in the field,” explained Rick Myers, a Subject Matter Expert who develops curriculum and lab materials for NEIEP. By showing students what lies beneath the surface—literally and figuratively—NEIEP is making the case for elevator work as both a science and a career

A Real Career. A Real Future. No Student Debt.

The message to students is straightforward: the elevator industry offers one of the best skilled trades careers in America—and you get paid to learn.

“As an elevator mechanic, you would come in as an apprentice. You’re gonna work, and earn money while you go to school,” said Lester White, NEIEP’s Head of Development.

“My classes are on Wednesdays. I report to my local. It’s from four to eight after work. And I’m learning these things to make me the best at my trade,” said Desalia.

With union support, NEIEP apprentices not only learn technical skills; they also receive competitive wages, pensions, annuities, and comprehensive healthcare. “Hopefully they’ll also learn that this is where their life will start changing,” Desalia shared. “You join the trade and you’re gonna have a pension and an annuity.”

This financial and lifestyle security is a major draw for students who may not see a traditional college path as the right fit. And the numbers back it up: elevator constructors are among the highest-paid tradespeople in the construction sector.

Representation Matters: Meet the People Who Built Their Career Here

Representation is another powerful tool. At the booth, students interact directly with NEIEP instructors, union representatives, and current apprentices—some just a few years older than the students themselves.

These conversations matter. Whether a student is unsure about their next step or eager to jump into a specific trade, talking with someone who’s been there, done that, and found success helps bridge the gap between aspiration and action.

Built-In Safety, Built-In Support

Another key message the elevator industry brings to SkillsUSA: safety is non-negotiable.

“Every new program has safety built in. There are hazards in every aspect of our trade. So as you’re learning an aspect of our trade, you’re also learning the safety for that particular aspect,” said Scott Russell, an IUEC National Organizer and member of Local 32 in Atlanta, GA. The use of VR, scaffolding, PPE demos, and real-world simulations helps make that commitment tangible.

By integrating these technologies and standards from the very first interaction, NEIEP ensures that future elevator constructors develop a culture of safety from day one.

But safety in the elevator trade goes far beyond protecting workers—it is also about safeguarding the public. Elevators are an essential part of daily life for billions of people worldwide. From hospitals and schools to office buildings and high-rise housing, elevators must operate with precision and security. Every elevator technician plays a vital role in public trust and infrastructure reliability. A small error in installation or maintenance can result in serious consequences. That’s why safety training in this field is rigorous, standardized, and continuously updated.

IUEC-affiliated elevator companies recognize this responsibility and heavily invest in workforce training and certifications. They understand that protecting elevator users means first protecting the workers who install and maintain them. This culture of accountability and care is what distinguishes the elevator trade and reinforces why it’s not just a job—it’s a public safety mission.

Why Highly Skilled Workers are Non-Negotiable in the Vertical Transportation Industry

The elevator industry isn’t just about moving people — it’s about moving them safely, reliably, and efficiently in environments where failure is not an option. In major metropolitan areas and small communities alike, elevators are lifelines in high-rises, hospitals, transit systems, and residential towers. That means the people behind their installation and maintenance must operate at the highest levels of skill and focus.

Elevator systems today are complex, integrating digital controls and advanced hydraulics. It takes deep technical training, precision, and a commitment to lifelong learning to install and maintain them properly. The NEIEP apprenticeship model isn’t just a training program, it’s a quality assurance system that ensures the highest safety and performance standards are upheld in every building where elevators operate.

Moreover, this is a global industry. Regardless of the country or region, people depend on elevators every day. Indeed, vertical transportation is one of the few infrastructure systems that spans all continents, cultures, and sectors, from hospitals to hotels, airports to apartment buildings. As population growth and urbanization continue to rise, the demand for new systems and the skilled workers to build and maintain them is steadily increasing.

This workforce need is urgent, but it also presents a historic opportunity. Companies that value safety and quality understand they must invest in highly skilled workers. This means that apprenticeships, ongoing certifications, and partnerships with labor and educational institutions are not just optional—they’re essential. The elevator industry is responding to that call, and SkillsUSA is one of the most important places to connect with tomorrow’s workforce today.

Industry Collaboration at Its Finest

This year’s SkillsUSA effort is the result of an extraordinary partnership between:

– NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program)

– IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors)

– NEII (National Elevator Industry, Inc.)

– EIWPF (Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund)

These organizations collectively bring the power of union training, employer partnerships, public-private collaboration, and decades of experience to the table. Together, they are creating a clear, welcoming on-ramp to elevator careers for America’s best and brightest students.

Final Word: There’s a Place for You in the Elevator Industry

“What we want people to take away from this booth is that there’s a place for you here in the elevator industry, and we are looking for the best and brightest,” summed up one Sarah Miller. “That’s why we’re here. Hopefully, someone will walk away from here interested and excited about getting into the elevator industry.”

From hands-on learners and robotics hobbyists to students with an interest in electrical and mechanical engineering, the elevator industry is wide open for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Visit Us at SkillsUSA NLSC 2025

Make your way to the Elevator Industry Booth in Halls B/C of the Georgia World Congress Center. Try the tools. Ask questions. Meet the pros. And learn how technically-oriented students are elevating their careers —one floor at a time.

For more information, visit www.elevatorinfo.org or connect with your local IUEC representative.

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This blog was developed in partnership with NEIEP, IUEC, NEII, and EIWPF to support career awareness, recruitment, and public outreach at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

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Green Energy and LEED Certification for Elevators: A Building Owner’s Guide

What is Green Energy & LEED Certification?

Green or renewable energy is all about sustainable power sources and technologies – such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources – that ultimately minimize environmental impact. A renewable energy source may not be considered ‘green’ if, for example, some carbon emissions are associated with the processes used to generate the energy – such as the building or infrastructure.

When we talk about green energy for elevators, we’re specifically looking at systems that: 1) use less electricity; 2) recover energy when possible, and; 3) operate more efficiently overall.

LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the gold standard of green building ratings worldwide. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it’s essentially a report card for how environmentally friendly, or “green”, a building is. The LEED certificate rating system awards points across various categories, with a maximum designation of 110.

There are four distinct certification levels that a project can obtain:

  • Certified (40-49 points)
  • Silver (50-59 points)
  • Gold (60-79 points)
  • Platinum (80+ points)

It’s important to note that while no LEED category explicitly exists for elevators, your vertical transportation system(s) can help earn points in several key areas, particularly as it relates to energy efficiency.

Why Does Green Energy and LEED Certification Matter?

What Your Tenants Want

Today’s tenants expect more from their buildings. Increasing awareness and concern over the impact of an excessive carbon footprint has led to a growing number of consumers willing to pay more for “sustainable offerings”. In the commercial sector, the vast majority of tenants now consider sustainability when selecting office space – often driven by their own sustainability commitments that require LEED-certified spaces.

The Environmental Case

Buildings require a lot of energy. For example, commercial buildings account for approximately 35% of electricity consumption in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.1 Within those same buildings, elevators consume a moderate percentage of the total energy usage.

The Financial Reality

As a building owner or manager, green elevators aren’t just good for the planet, they’re good for your bottom line too:

  • Lower operating costs: Energy-efficient elevators can reduce related energy consumption by a significant margin, according to studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).2
  • Increased property value: LEED-certified buildings typically command higher sale values than conventional buildings, according to a study by the CoStar Group.3
  • Higher rental income: Research by CBRE found that green buildings command rental premiums of 4% on average.4
  • Reduced vacancy: LEED-certified buildings have been shown to have higher occupancy rates than non-certified buildings.

The Regulatory Push

Building regulations are getting stricter every year, and staying ahead of the curve is just good business. Green elevator systems can help you comply with:

  • Local energy codes. New York City’s Local Law 97, for example, set carbon caps with financial penalties for non-compliance beginning in 2024.
  • State energy efficiency standards that are constantly evolving
  • Federal incentive programs that reward energy efficiency

Perhaps not surprisingly, green building regulations are not uniform across the country. Several states have taken the lead with mandatory green building standards; 24 states have green energy mandates. Please check with your local and state Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for more information.

Here are a few examples that apply specifically to vertical transportation systems:

  • California: Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards set specific energy performance levels for new construction and renovations, including requirements that affect elevator systems.5
  • Washington: The State Energy Code includes provisions specifically addressing elevator efficiency.6
  • Massachusetts: The Stretch Energy Code, adopted by over 300 municipalities, includes elevator efficiency standards.7
  • New York: The Energy Conservation Construction Code includes specific provisions for vertical transportation systems.8

The implementation of green energy and the associated LEED certification [process] matters. It impacts your tenants, existing and prospective; it impacts your community, locally and more broadly; it impacts the environment, now and far into the future; and it impacts your wallet, in small and big ways.

How Green Elevators Benefit You as a Building Owner or Manager

As a building owner or manager, all of this can impact your bottom line, including the practical benefits of upgrading your elevator systems to be “green”.

The most immediate benefit comes from reduced operational costs:
1. Energy Savings You’ll See on Your Bills:

  • Regenerative drives can cut elevator energy consumption considerably, according to major service providers.
  • LED lighting with motion sensors reduces lighting energy by up to 80%, as documented by the Department of Energy.9
  • Sleep mode technologies greatly assist with cutting standby power*.
  • Destination dispatching is also an energy saving addition to current systems.

2. Maintenance Costs That Actually Go Down:

  • Modern systems with predictive (MCP) maintenance can reduce callbacks.
  • You’ll see extended component lifespan due to less heat generation and stress

The efficiencies gained, financially and operationally, by way of green energy and its varying forms are undeniable – and the opportunity for meaningful and lasting change is much more far reaching.

*Check your local regulations before implementing.

What Are the Goals of LEED Certification – Why Pursue It?

LEED certification examines all aspects of buildings through the lens of sustainability. As initially outlined: upon certification, projects are granted a rating. These ratings can then be used to demonstrate the verified sustainability of a property (and the benefits that accompany them).

The certification’s targeted building strategies emphasize the following:

  • Reducing the contribution of buildings to climate change (35%)
  • Improving human health (20%)
  • Preserving freshwater resources and enhancing water efficiency (15%)
  • Preventing biodiversity loss and protecting ecosystems and their services (10%)
  • Supporting regenerative, long-term material use (10%)
  • Building thriving communities and fostering neighborhood development (5%)
  • Conserving natural resources (5%)

LEED Points That Add Up Quickly

If you’re already pursuing or considering pursuing LEED certification, your elevator system(s) can help earn points across several categories.

Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credits:

  • Optimize Energy Performance (up to 18 points) via AC Drives and soft starts on hydraulic elevators
  • Advanced Energy Metering (1 point)
  • Demand Response (2 points) through elevator load management: e.g., updated control systems and dispatching

Materials and Resources (MR) Credits:

  • Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (2 points): e.g., updated control system, dispatching
  • Construction Waste Management (2 points), such as sealed bearings on AC motors and oil that comes from renewable sources

Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credits:

  • Low-Emitting Materials (1 point): e.g., led lighting, lowering of heat load with removal of generators, and switching to AC motors
  • Acoustic Performance (1 point) – achieved by way of removing generators

Innovation Credits:

  • Exemplary performance in energy efficiency (1 point). Examples include: AC motors, dispatching, removing generators
  • Pilot credits for vertical transportation efficiency (1 point)

So, what are some of the applicable ways you as building managers and owners can begin to integrate green solutions around and within your vertical transportation systems?

Implementing Green Elevator Solutions

Green Technologies Worth Your Investment

When planning for elevator systems with a high ROI – whether that be financially or environmentally – here are some technologies you should consider:
1. Regenerative Drives

  • This technology is considered the most important feature [currently] for energy-efficient elevators, capturing energy during braking and feeding it back into your building’s electrical system
  • They’re most effective in high-rise buildings with heavy traffic

2. Machine Room-Less (MRL) Designs

  • These compact gearless machines fit within the hoistway itself
  • You reduce energy consumption
  • Particularly beneficial for retrofits

3. Destination Dispatch Systems

  • These smart systems group passengers going to similar floors, reducing stops and starts
  • They can reduce energy consumption significantly while improving traffic flow
  • Best for buildings with heavy, predictable traffic patterns

4. LED Lighting and Smart Controls

  • Replace traditional cab lighting with LEDs and motion sensors
  • This is a simple upgrade with fast payback (typically under 1 year)
  • You can implement this independently of other mechanical upgrades

5. High-Efficiency Motors

  • Look for NEMA Premium efficiency ratings or better
  • Variable frequency drives optimize performance at all loads
  • These reduce heat generation and extend component life

Not all changes require extensive renovations – switching to LED lighting is an example of this. Existing buildings can improve performance and energy efficiency through simple technology as well as thoughtful design.

Future Trends

In the elevator industry, technology is always evolving. Here’s what you should keep an eye on as you look to increase green energy solutions:

Innovative New Technologies

1. Energy Storage Integration

  • Elevator systems with built-in battery storage to capture regenerated energy
  • Integration with building microgrids and demand response systems

2. AI and Predictive Analytics

  • AI-driven traffic management optimizing elevator dispatching
  • Predictive maintenance reducing downtime and extending component life
  • Real-time energy optimization based on usage patterns

An Investment Worth Making

As a building owner or manager, green elevator systems represent a strategic investment that balances upfront costs against long-term returns. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements and environmental benefits, these systems offer real financial advantages through lower operating costs, enhanced property value, and improved tenant satisfaction.

With thoughtful planning, smart financing, and phased implementation, green elevator upgrades can become a cornerstone of your building’s sustainability strategy and financial performance. Whether you’re pursuing LEED certification or simply looking to reduce operational expenses, today’s elevator technologies offer solutions that make both environmental and economic sense.

 

References

1 U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). “About the Commercial Buildings Integration Program.”
2 National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2023). “Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings.”
3 CoStar Group & USGBC. (2022). “LEED and the U.S. Office Market.”
4 CBRE. (2022). “Green is Good: The Enduring Rent Premium of LEED-Certified U.S. Office Buildings.”
5 California Energy Commission. (2023). “Building Energy Efficiency Standards – Title 24.”
6 Washington State Building Code Council. (2023). “Washington State Energy Code.”
7 Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. (2023). “Stretch Energy Code.”
8 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. (2023). “Energy Conservation Construction Code.”
8 U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). “LED Lighting.”

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National Elevator Mechanics Day

Today marks the first annual National Elevator Mechanics Day. ElevatorInfo is proud to celebrate IUEC mechanics, the industry’s leading elevator mechanics. With their skills, professionalism, education, and dedication, they take great pride in their work, which keeps elevators, escalators, and all types of conveyance equipment running smoothly and safely for the riding public.

 

To celebrate National Elevator Mechanics Day, we’ve put together a list of five things you didn’t know about IUEC elevator mechanics.

1. Their work encompasses skills from all of the building trades

Being an elevator mechanic is an elite profession. IUEC elevator mechanics go through rigorous training and education to hone their skills and prepare themselves to excel in the field. Through the USDOL Registered National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) apprenticeship, they receive extensive safety training and go through the most comprehensive, hands-on program in the industry.

Their NEIEP education gives them the skills and foundational background theory and knowledge needed to work on elevator and escalator equipment from the early 1900s through to today’s cutting-edge technology. Once they complete their apprenticeship and pass a capstone Mechanic Exam – earning journeyman mechanic status – they continue learning throughout their careers by participating in NEIEP’s Continuing Education (CE) courses, where they can build on those skills and earn important industry-related certifications. Because of their NEIEP education, IUEC elevator mechanics possess unique and diverse skill sets that prepare them to take on any project, regardless of its complexity.

2. To reach mechanic status, they complete college-level training

As mentioned, IUEC elevator mechanics go through a rigorous apprenticeship via NEIEP, but did you know that this education translates to a college-level education? NEIEP’s apprenticeship program leads the industry, which is why colleges such as the Community College of Baltimore County, Ivy Tech Community College, Rowan University, Thomas Edison State University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and Wentworth Institute of Technology have partnered with NEIEP.

These colleges and universities provide college credit for the work completed as a student in the NEIEP apprenticeship program. Students at these institutions can receive up to 45 college transfer credits to use at that school (the number of credits depends on which of the colleges or universities they choose), which can sometimes account for more than 50% of the credits needed to complete their degree. Construction Craft Professional (AAS), Applied Science (AAS), Construction Management (BA), Project Management (BA), and Engineering Technology (AAS) are just some of the options NEIEP graduates have when it comes to continuing their education through one of the program’s college partnerships.

Student debt has been a big issue for many young people coming into the workforce for the first time or experienced workers wanting to make a career change later in their lives – but construction apprenticeship programs like NEIEP allow them to pursue a quality education without that burden. As all of their apprenticeship-related expenses are covered by their IUEC education benefits, aspiring mechanics entering the elevator trade are able to “earn while they learn” and don’t graduate from their apprenticeship training burdened by loans they must repay. If they choose to continue their post-apprenticeship education through one of NEIEP’s college partnerships, the costs they incur for their college courses are greatly reduced by the head start they have in pursuing their degrees.

3. Many come from military backgrounds

Through work with programs like Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), many Veterans of the U.S. armed forces join the elevator trade where they put the skills they learned in the military to use. Some IUEC elevator mechanics have backgrounds as aircraft mechanics, nuclear submarine engineers, and tank commanders. The highly-technical skills that these professionals bring to the IUEC help solidify IUEC elevator mechanics as the most skilled, talented, and dedicated in the industry.

Much of the work involved in elevator and escalator installation, maintenance, service, and repair requires technical expertise, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to follow serious safety protocols — skills that people in the military develop and use extensively during their service. Veterans from all branches of the military have experience learning new technologies, troubleshooting equipment under pressure, following directions from their supervisors, adapting to challenging situations, and collaborating with their team, making them valuable assets to IUEC-affiliated elevator companies.

Once Veterans enter the trade, the IUEC’s Veterans Assistance Program steps in to assist them with applying for the GI Bill benefits they are eligible to receive as they participate in NEIEP apprenticeship courses. The IUEC-VAP also helps IUEC Veteran members and Veteran spouses through the application process for claims and disabilities.

IUEC-VAP National Chairman Jason Gray, IUEC National Organizer, Local 32 member, and U.S. Marines Corps Veteran, said “We are looking to help Veterans in all aspects of their needs. A lot of Veterans don’t understand there are benefits that are available to them…our plan is to get the word out and let Veterans know we’re going to be a resource for them if they have a need that’s related to their military service. We want to be that community they can go to seek assistance.”

4. They’re experts at staying safe in hazardous conditions

For the riding public, elevators are the safest form of transportation in the world. But because the safety features in place for riders are typically disabled to allow elevator constructors to perform their work, they must remain vigilant of the hazards they encounter on the jobsite every day.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction is at the top of the list for the most dangerous industries to work in in the United States. Construction inspections make up approximately 60% of all of the workplace inspections they perform every year. The agency describes its “Fatal 4” hazards in relation to construction jobs: falls from heights, caught in or between, struck-by, and electrical hazards. IUEC mechanics regularly encounter these dangers while working on elevators, escalators, and other conveyance systems.

Other common issues on jobsites include the risk of being injured by unguarded machinery, injuries that result from the improper use of power tools or hand tools, hearing damage from loud noises generated during construction or repair work, confines spaces, extreme weather conditions, eye damage from dust or debris, exposure to silica dust, asbestos, chemicals, bloodborne pathogens – the hazards these workers face are omnipresent. This is why the IUEC and its signatory companies work together to ensure all elevator constructors are educated of the risks and have the knowledge and materials necessary to take preventative measures to avoid them – such as lock out tag out (LOTO), the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency action plans. They always perform a job hazard analysis (JHA) before beginning any job to ensure their diverse skills can be put to work in a safe working environment.

As part of a continued effort to promote a culture of working safe, the IUEC established a department dedicated to safety as well as an international safety committee and Local Area Safety Committees at IUEC Locals across the United States and Canada. ElevatorInfo reported on an initiative from the IUEC Safety Director and Assistant Safety Director building on OSHA’s work. They developed BE SAFE, a safety-focused awareness campaign designed specifically for the people who install, service, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and inspect elevators, escalators, and other conveyance equipment.

“BE SAFE is a phrase that we use when we’re saying goodbye to one another – hey brother, hey sister, be safe,” said IUEC Safety Director Eric McClaskey. “We took those words and we wanted to associate hazards within the industry as a reminder for mechanics and apprentices out in the field… BE SAFE really brings everything together for our safety culture, because within BE SAFE we have the OSHA Focus Four hazards where we see most of the injuries and fatalities in the industry – so we’re really trying to build upon that within (the IUEC) safety committee, local safety committees, and even within our alliance with OSHA.”

The major hazards they identified for elevator constructors included:

  • Barricades – Are proper barricades in place?
  • Elevator location – Have you identified/verified the elevator’s location prior to entering the hoistway?
  • Struck by – Is overhead protection in place?
  • Adjacent car – Is adjacent car protection in place?
  • Fall protection – Are you using a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) where fall hazards exist?
  • Electrical protection – Are you using electrical safe work practices?

5. They don’t just work on elevators and escalators

Dumbwaiters, moving walks, Automated People Mover trams at airports, cruise ship elevators, shopping cart lifts at department stores in large cities, pinsetters in bowling alleys, conveyor belt systems, carnival rides – these are all examples of equipment that IUEC elevator constructors have performed work on in addition to the elevators and escalators they’re known for.

Thanks to their skills and high level of craftsmanship, IUEC elevator mechanics are the best choice to install and maintain wind tower conveyance systems in onshore and offshore turbines across the United States. Through a collaborative learning program with Survival Systems USA in Groton, CT, IUEC mechanics can enroll in Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training (GWO-BST), which includes modules such as Basic Safety Training, Work at Height, Manual Handling, Medic First Aid + Trauma, Fire Awareness, Sea Survival, Enhanced First Aid, and Advanced Rescue Training. This training, which culminates in an internationally-recognized wind industry credential, prepares IUEC mechanics to excel at wind turbine work and other types of projects.

Join us and celebrate IUEC elevator mechanics

While you may not have known each of these five facts about IUEC elevator mechanics, one thing you should know by now is that because of their top-tier training and dedication to their craft, IUEC mechanics are the best in the industry. On the first annual National Elevator Mechanics Day, we honor them, not just for the work they do every day in making elevators, escalators, and moving walkways safe for the riding public, but also for the dedication and capability each of them has demonstrated as the industry’s leading elevator mechanics.

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IUEC-VAP Launches Local Area Veterans’ Committees

 

The International Union of Elevator Constructors’ Veterans Assistance Program (IUEC-VAP) is in the process of launching Local Area Veterans Committees across the United States. The program’s goal is to have a Local Area Veterans Committee at each IUEC Local to assist IUEC Veterans and their families with claims and disability support, apprenticeship and workforce access, and family and community wraparound services.

The following IUEC Locals have recently held their first Local Area Veterans Committee meetings:

  • 18 (Los Angeles, CA / San Diego, CA / Las Vegas, NV)
  • 2 (Chicago, IL)
  • 4 (Boston, MA)
  • 19 (Seattle, WA)
  • 21 (Dallas, TX)
  • 31 (Houston, TX)
  • 71 (Miami, FL)
  • 91 (New Haven, CT)
  • 10 (Washington, DC)
  • 25 (Denver, CO)

In the coming weeks, Local Area Veterans’ Committees will be launched in:

  • 1 (New York, NY) – May 20
  • 8 (San Francisco, CA) – June 18
  • 23 (Portland, Oregon) – July 10

The IUEC-VAP is staffed by National Chairman Jason Gray, (IUEC Local 32, Atlanta, GA), who is an IUEC National Organizer and U.S. Marines Corps Veteran; National Co-Chair Ryan Donnell (IUEC Local 21, Dallas, TX), who is an Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF) National Coordinator and spouse of a U.S. Air Force Veteran; National Director of Programs and Education Ben Valinsky, who is a National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) Writing and Development Coordinator and U.S. Army Veteran; IUEC-VAP National Claims and Disabilities Liaison Jeff Handibode (IUEC Local 4, Boston, MA), who is a National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) Area Coordinator for Northeast Region 22 and a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, and Elizabeth Belcaster, who is the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF) Workforce Development and Public Affairs Specialist.

“We started this program so we could help and assist our Veteran members with their disability claims, educational benefits, and, basically, whatever they need as a Veteran,” said National Chairman Jason Gray. “Our Veterans need to know that we’re a resource. We’re going to do our best to help (you) in any way we can. I want the membership to know that and understand that, because the people on our team are passionate. We have a cause, we have a purpose and we’re going to get the job done – no matter what.”

A Strong Match: Military Skills and Elevator Work

Transitioning from military service to civilian employment presents unique challenges for many Veterans. However, the elevator industry has become an ideal landing spot for many military Veterans. Veterans bring a wealth of transferable skills to the elevator industry, which makes them highly sought after by employers. Many roles in elevator installation, maintenance, service, and repair require technical expertise, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to adhere to strict safety protocols — skills that military personnel cultivate extensively during their service.

The teamwork, discipline, and leadership inherent in military culture make careers in the elevator industry and other building trades a natural fit for Veterans transitioning back to civilian life. They are adept at learning new skills and technologies, troubleshooting under pressure, following directions, adapting to challenging situations, and collaborating effectively, making them valuable assets to IUEC-affiliated elevator companies.

Industry Demand for Skilled Labor

There is and will continue to be a growing demand for well-trained elevator professionals in the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for elevator constructors are projected to increase steadily in the coming years. This growth, along with the camaraderie of a union, the focus on working safely as a team, and the comprehensive benefits package IUEC elevator constructors receive, makes the elevator industry an appealing choice for Veterans seeking long-term, stable careers.

Training and Certification Paths

Transitioning into the elevator industry involves specialized training and earning certifications in skills important in the trade. Along with other new elevator constructors, as soon as they begin work, they are enrolled in the IUEC’s National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), which provides hands-on training in industry-specific electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems. As a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program, NEIEP allows Veterans to “earn while they learn,” building careers without the burden of traditional college debt.

Additionally, IUEC elevator constructor apprentices who are military Veterans are often eligible for VA education benefits while they attend classroom and online courses as they work toward their mechanic’s license. The IUEC-VAP National Director of Programs and Education, Local area VAP committees, and Business Managers and Agents work together to facilitate the process for Veterans applying for these benefits.

“As a Veteran, we know how difficult it is to work through the paperwork and try to identify what’s out there for us to use. So oftentimes, we spend hours on the internet to try to find the answers. I’ve talked with so many apprentices who are Veterans (who) because it was an apprenticeship, and it was on-the-job training, they didn’t know that they qualified for the GI Bill*. And with that, the VAP is really working to ensure that they have access, and spreading the awareness that they can access those GI Bill* funds,” he said.

Success Stories: Veterans Thriving in the Industry

Many Veterans have successfully transitioned into the elevator industry and have found fulfilling careers. Former service members have climbed the ranks to become high-level elevator and escalator adjusters, project managers, company executives, and have held leadership positions in their Locals. Their capacity to lead teams, manage intricate operations, and maintain a mission-focused mindset has enabled them to excel in this dynamic industry.

Employer Support and Hiring Initiatives

Many companies across the building trades actively recruit Veterans, acknowledging their strong work ethic and specialized skill sets. Industry leaders have launched Veteran hiring initiatives, mentorship programs, and partnerships with military transition organizations to help Veterans seamlessly transition into the workforce.

The IUEC partners with programs like Helmets to Hardhats to support Veterans as they transition back to civilian life – and the IUEC-VAP was designed to pick up where Helmets to Hardhats leaves off, assisting Veterans and their families in applying for the VA education benefits and disability benefits they earned through their military service.

“At H2H, our direct focus is that Veteran recruitment pipeline, right? We’re really good at doing that outreach, educating them, and getting them these different training centers and Locals throughout the United States; that Local really has to take the charge after that by educating them and giving them a little bit of a helping hand to get them through that process – it can be a little bit of process working with the VA and understanding all the benefits out there,” said Martin Helms, Helmets to Hardhats’ Executive Director.

Elevating Veterans’ Futures

As more industries acknowledge the advantages of hiring former military personnel for the technical skills and leadership qualities they bring, opportunities for Veterans in the elevator industry will continue to expand. For Veterans seeking a rewarding and stable career, the elevator industry presents a promising path. With a robust job market, valuable training opportunities, and a culture that values discipline and leadership, Veterans are not just finding jobs – they’re elevating their futures.

How Local Area Committees Can Help

The IUEC-VAP Local Area Committees will play a very important role in helping IUEC Veterans and their families apply for and obtain the education and disability benefits they earned through their military service.

“The more people we can bring into the system, the more people we can help,” said Jason Gray. “So we’re really asking for help from the locals to reach out, talk to your Veterans, let them know what’s going on, they can in turn contact us. If they have questions, we’re more than willing to explain to them what our plans are, what we hope the program will become, and in the future grow this thing as large as we possibly can, but we definitely need the help of all the locals out there to spread the word and let our Veterans know we’re here for them.”

National Co-Chairman Ryan Donnell explained that the role of these committees goes beyond those initial “Your local Veterans committees can be more than just bringing information to us,” he said. “You all can form your own events, you can have your Toys for Tots drives, Veterans committees – Locals across the country have done these sort of things… you want to try to inspire some fun activities, if nothing more than getting the guys to know each other and know who the fellow Veterans are, who their fellow coworkers are, and promote some camaraderie in that way.”

For more information about the IUEC-VAP, visit https://www.iuec.org/index.php/veterans-assistance-program/.

If you are a Veteran or Veteran spouse who wants to register for the program, fill out the VAP form in the back of the Elevator Constructor journal or email va*@**ec.org with your name and contact information, International Union number, ULink ID, branch of military service, years served, and rank.

*Registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

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Wire Rope Replacement for Elevators: How to Know When It’s Time

Elevator ropes showing excessive wear banner

If you are the owner or manager of an industrial or commercial building with elevators, you know how important it is to be proactive when it comes to maintenance. In the same way, you wouldn’t neglect to change flickering lightbulbs in a hallway and risk leaving your customers, clients, or tenants in the dark, you must stay on top of repair issues with your elevator systems. If you don’t address problems when they start, they can become unmanageable, affecting passenger safety and ride quality over time. 

An image of a traction/electric elevator system, where the cab and counterweight are suspended by elevator ropes or cables.

If the elevators in your building are of the electric/traction or winding drum type, the elevator cab is suspended by a series of ropes, belts, or cables, which are referred to as “suspension means” (as shown in the diagram). 

Regardless of a building’s height, the most common type of elevator suspension means are wire ropes. There are also elevators that use different types of suspension means, including non-circular elastomeric-coated steel belts and aramid fiber ropes – these have different criteria for replacement. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on wire ropes.

The type of suspension means used and the number of ropes or belts that suspend an elevator in its hoistway are determined by the elevator’s speed, capacity, and traction. The more cables are used, the more traction is applied to the sheave. Unless your elevator system uses a winding drum machine (which is an older technology), code requires a minimum of three ropes. A three-rope suspension system is typically found in low-rise, low-speed installations. Some high-rise, high-speed electric/traction elevator systems can use up to eight ropes. 

It’s important to know that for safety reasons, building codes require that any time a rope replacement project on an elevator is implemented, you cannot replace only one of its ropes – all the existing ropes on that elevator must be replaced with new ropes at the same time. Elevator ropes that have previously been used can never be used as replacement ropes. 

Some things you may notice that indicate you should ask your elevator maintenance specialist if it’s time for suspension means to be replaced include:

  • Rouging. Elevator ropes are constructed of wire strands wrapped around an oil-saturated hemp core. If the core begins to deteriorate and dry up, it turns into a powder. This causes the wire strands that surround it to lose lubrication and begin to rust. The rust collects in piles of reddish-orange dust that you may see in the machine room or on the floor sills. 
  • Vibration or unusual noises, such as a slapping or wobbling sound coming from your system. If cables are becoming stretched out, or if the grooves that hold them in the sheave are wearing unevenly, the cables may loosen, causing them to wobble or bump into the walls or other cables.
  • Pieces of broken cable on the floor underneath the sheave in the machine room. 
  • Metallic shavings or dust around the drivers or sheave in the machine room.
Elevator cable with broken lay

This image shows elevator ropes with a broken lay. This is extremely dangerous – the integrity of the cable is compromised, and the elevator should be shut down immediately. In addition to being a serious safety hazard to passengers, this type of damage to one rope will cause the elevator’s other ropes to be damaged as well.

Elevator ropes showing excessive wear

Elevator ropes showing excessive wear

Remember – for safety reasons, you should never get too close to your elevator system, especially while it is in service.  If you notice any of the things listed above, notify your elevator maintenance professional, who will inspect your elevator system. In addition to checking out the problems you’ve reported, they will measure the diameter of your wire ropes. If the ropes are found to have experienced excessive wear (as shown in the picture) or have decreased in diameter, they will need to be replaced. 

Depending on the severity of the problems, the elevator will either be shut down immediately or a rope replacement job will be scheduled for the near future. What could cause your elevator to be shut down right away? Issues that could cause an immediate risk to the people who ride the elevator – such as slipping traction, which is when the elevator motor is turning the drive sheave, and the cables don’t have the traction required to control the movement of the elevator. In most cases, however, as long as problems with the ropes are identified before they affect operation and/or ride quality, rope replacement can be scheduled for some time in the near future (always check with your elevator mechanic, elevator consultant, or elevator inspector).

Early detection will help ensure the safety of the people who ride the elevator as well as prolongs the life of your conveyance equipment. Again – for safety reasons, you should never get too close to your elevator system yourself, especially while it is in service.  Scheduling regular periodic inspection and testing of your elevator systems by a trained and skilled IUEC elevator mechanic will protect your passengers and your investment. Whether or not your jurisdiction mandates a Maintenance Control Program be in place for your elevators and escalators, it is the best way to ensure that problems are identified and addressed before they cause an unplanned service outage. 

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IUEC Showcases Wind Industry Work at National ACP Conference

Last spring, representatives from the International Union of Elevator Constructors attended the American Clean Power (ACP)’s Operations, Maintenance and Safety Conference in San Diego, California.

“We’ve been coming to this conference for about 13 years. Today they’re gathering people from all over the world,” said Carisa Barrett, National Coordinator for the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF).

According to ACP’s 2024 recap, more than 1,500 attendees and 140 exhibitors gathered at the conference to talk about retention strategies, recruitment techniques and training best practices in an effort to make the wind industry stronger and safer.[1]

Most people from outside the wind industry don’t realize that there are elevators inside both land-based and offshore wind turbine towers. Their purpose? To transport the technicians who maintain and repair the nacelle units that harness the energy generated by the blades and convert it into electricity. Nacelle technicians carry heavy bags of tools and diagnostic equipment up with them to the top of the towers, which typically reach heights of 300-500 feet.

While wind technicians are trained for and skilled at their work on the nacelle units they service, to work on the elevator units within the wind towers. That’s where IUEC elevator constructors come in. Elevator constructors from IUEC-affiliated companies work on wind turbine elevator systems across the United States, including those at the Block Island Wind Farm in Rhode Island – the country’s first commercial offshore wind farm.

Their work includes:

  • Installation
  • Modernization
  • Retrofitting
  • Maintenance
  • Repair
  • Jurisdiction compliance inspection

“If it moves horizontally or vertically, we do it. We move people and equipment, including cars and heavy materials. And wind turbines, especially since they’re getting bigger now, they’re starting to put elevators in all of them. And our folks are the ones that are properly skilled and trained to work on the different types of equipment that are used for elevators in the wind turbines,” said Vance Ayres, National Organizer and Director of Wind Turbine Affairs for the International Union of Elevator Constructors.

Elevator technicians in the IUEC receive the most comprehensive, safety-focused foundational training in the elevator industry through a four-plus year USDOL-Registered Apprenticeship administered by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP). Apprentices must complete 8 semesters of college-level classroom training with hands-on practical labs, log 8,000 hours of on-the-job learning under the supervision of a journeyman mechanic, and pass a capstone examination in order to graduate with mechanic status. During their time in the apprenticeship program, IUEC members also earn trade certifications such as OSHA 10-hour for General Industry, American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED, Competent Person training for Framed and Suspended Scaffolding (through the SAIA), and industry-specific crane rigging and signaling.

“We’re the best in the world at what we do, the most highly skilled trades folks, the safest group, efficient, on time, because of our skilled training. We’ve expanded our educational (offerings) more toward the wind turbine industry itself, both onshore and offshore,” Ayres continued.

Through a collaborative learning program with Survival Systems USA in Groton, CT, IUEC elevator constructors from all over the United States have completed Global Wind Organization (GWO) Basic Training. Elevator technicians/constructors who work on onshore and offshore wind turbine elevators can become certified in the following areas:

  • GWO BST-1005 Basic Safety Training
  • GWO BST-WAH-1002 Work at Height
  • GWO BST-MH-102 Manual Handling
  • GWO BST-FA-2002 Medic First Aid + Trauma
  • GWO BST-FA-101 Fire Awareness
  • GWO-SS GWO Sea Survival
  • GWO-EFA Enhanced First Aid
  • GWO-ART Advanced Rescue Training

When asked why IUEC elevator mechanics are the best choice to perform work on wind turbine elevators, Nick Moore, IUEC Local 8 Organizer, explains it this way: “We are the ones that could safely perform this work. We are the ones that could adapt to this work the easiest.”

“That’s what we do. We do elevators. We know every aspect of elevators inside and out. We have an apprenticeship program that trains us from A to Z,” Barrett continued.

Stop by the IUEC booth to speak with Vance Ayres, Carisa Barrett, and other elevator industry representatives at these upcoming conferences:

  • ACP O&M 2025, March 3-5, Nashville TN
  • IPF Offshore 2025, April 28-May 1, Virginia Beach VA
  • ACP Cleanpower 2025, May 19-22, Phoenix AZ
  • ACP Offshore 2025, October 6-8, Boston MA

To learn more about the work IUEC elevator constructors are doing in the wind industry and why their experience, education, and training makes them the best choice to work on this specialized equipment, visit https://www.elevatorinfo.org/wind-turbine-elevators/

 

[1] https://cleanpower.org/oms/2024-recap/

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