Nov 04, 2025Reaching New Heights with SPRAT Certifications

At E.L. Robinson Engineering, we make it a priority to stay current with the latest certifications and industry standards. Recently, team members Trevor Thewes and Matthew Papesh, P.E., earned their SPRAT Level 1 Rope Access Technician certifications through the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT).

Why It Matters

A SPRAT certification is one of the most respected achievements in rope access work. It provides recognition, credibility, and, most importantly, ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective access to structures and geological features during inspection, maintenance, and construction.

For ELR, this certification expands our ability to inspect bridges and other complex structures safely using rope access techniques. The SPRAT program offers three levels of certification, and this training marks the first step for both Trevor and Matthew.

To maintain certification, technicians must log field hours regularly and recertify every three years. If more than six months pass without climbing, a refresher course is recommended to stay sharp. Both team members plan to advance to the Level 2 certification in the future.

SPRAT training sessions take place year-round at certified facilities around the world. Trevor trained at the Vertical Access Training Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Matthew completed his certification with Elevated Safety at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland.

The Benefits of Rope Training

While rope access training isn’t required for structural inspection, it’s a valuable tool in the field.

“Rope training isn’t necessary to complete an inspection. Most bridges can be inspected using a manlift or Snooper truck,” Matthew said. “But rope access broadens our ability to inspect in more challenging situations, such as limited site access or environmentally sensitive areas.”

Lessons and Takeaways

Both Trevor and Matthew came away from their SPRAT training with new skills and a new appreciation for the work.

“I learned that SPRAT rope technicians have a wide range of jobs, which opens new opportunities for ELR,” Trevor said.

“My favorite part was realizing how focused you are while climbing, you don’t notice how high you may have gotten in the air,” Matthew said. “Once you’re at that point, it’s fun to look down and just let the ropes hold you as you swing in the wind.”

Our Commitment to Excellence

Bridge inspections are a key part of our work, and certifications like this keep ELR at the forefront of safety and innovation.

“I like inspecting because I always learn something new by looking at how things were constructed in the field,” Trevor said. “Inspections help me understand how a structure will react to forces over time.”

“It’s a unique experience to know that you are part of the process of keeping our infrastructure sound for everyone else,” Matthew added. “It's also nice to step away from the desk from time to time and get time in the field.”

We’re proud of Trevor and Matthew for their dedication to learning and their commitment to advancing ELR's capabilities — one climb at a time!