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The #BeatMyScaffold2025 competition has officially concluded, celebrating some of the most innovative and well-executed scaffold designs from around the world. The contest, which showcased the skills and creativity of industry professionals, saw strong participation from scaffolding experts, judges, and voters alike.

Scaffolding transport comes with serious risks and getting it wrong can result in fines, vehicle prohibitions, loss of an operator’s license, and, more tragically, serious injuries or even fatalities. For this reason, the Scaffolding Association and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) have this week launched a brand-new Driver CPC training module, 'Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders.' This course contributes to the required thirty-five hours of periodic Driver CPC training, mandatory for all professional HGV drivers. Failing to complete this training can result in being unable to legally drive. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: "Scaffolding transport is both high-risk and heavily regulated and getting it wrong can have devastating consequences. Poorly secured scaffolding loads can cause serious injuries, collisions and even fatalities. This new course equips drivers with the knowledge to prevent such incidents, protecting lives and protecting businesses from enforcement action and legal consequences.” Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, said: "Load security is a priority for police and enforcement agencies who actively target non-compliant vehicles. There’s a moral obligation too as unsecured scaffolding and unsafe loads not only lead to penalties, but they also put lives at risk. This DVSA-approved course is designed specifically for scaffolding-related transport and equips drivers and businesses with the essential skills to stay compliant and safe. It arms drivers and businesses with the knowledge they need to prevent accidents, avoid fines, and protect the public." This Course Will Ensure: ● Drivers and operators fully understand the latest legislation ● Scaffolding materials are transported safely, securely, and legally ● Vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with operator license requirements ● Businesses avoid costly enforcement action, fines, and prohibitions What Delegates Will Learn: ● Load Security – Key updates and who is responsible ● Staying Safe & Compliant – The right way to load scaffolding vehicles ● The Consequences of Getting It Wrong – Prohibitions, fines, and legal action ● Daily Vehicle Checks – What must be checked and how to record defects ● Defect & NIL Defect Reporting – Keeping vehicles roadworthy ● Enforcement Agencies – Their powers, documentation, and what to expect Who Needs to Book This Course? ● All professional HGV drivers transporting scaffolding ● Operators and supervisors responsible for loading & securing scaffolding materials ● Businesses that want to avoid enforcement action and protect their operator’s license For full course details including dates and locations, please visit: https://www.rha.uk.net/Training/England-Wales/Driver-CPC-Courses/-Safe-Loading-and-vehicle-checks-for-Scaffolders

As National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) kicks off, we at National Scaffolding Week are excited to celebrate the hardworking apprentices who are building the future of our industry. Apprenticeships are the backbone of the scaffolding trade, providing the vital skills and experience needed to ensure safety, innovation, and high standards across the sector. This week, we’re taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent within our field and the opportunities available for those looking to start their careers in scaffolding. Apprenticeships offer a fantastic pathway for young people and career changers alike, allowing them to earn while they learn, gain practical experience, and ultimately become key players in the scaffolding workforce. Why Apprenticeships Matter in Scaffolding The scaffolding industry is essential to construction, providing the structural framework needed for everything from high-rise buildings to complex industrial projects. For apprentices in the scaffolding trade, the combination of hands-on learning and technical training sets them up for long-term success. Through an apprenticeship, individuals don’t just acquire the practical skills of scaffolding; they also learn about the importance of safety standards, teamwork, and project management. These skills are essential in today’s fast-paced and evolving construction world. Moreover, apprenticeships provide access to highly sought-after qualifications and certifications, making them invaluable assets to any scaffolding business. Apprenticeship Opportunities at National Scaffolding Week At National Scaffolding Week , we’re not only celebrating apprentices but also committed to supporting the next generation of scaffolding talent. Our website is a hub for sharing valuable apprenticeship opportunities with aspiring scaffolding professionals. Whether you're a school leaver or someone looking for a career change, there are numerous pathways into the scaffolding industry, and we’re here to help you find them. By visiting our Apprenticeship Page , you can explore a variety of roles that are currently available within the scaffolding industry. These opportunities allow you to gain on-the-job training, mentorship, and industry-recognised qualifications—all while earning a competitive wage. We encourage all employers within the scaffolding community to post their apprenticeship opportunities on the gov.uk page so that the next generation of scaffolding professionals can easily find and apply for these valuable positions. Together, we can ensure a steady stream of highly skilled individuals entering our industry and contributing to its continued success. Shaping the Future Together Apprenticeships are about more than just learning a trade; they’re about building a career that can last a lifetime. We are incredibly proud of the apprentices who are dedicating themselves to mastering the scaffolding trade. Each one of them is a vital part of the future of our industry, and we’re excited to see the impact they’ll make. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025 , let’s reflect on the importance of apprenticeships in scaffolding and construction as a whole. By supporting these programs and helping to nurture new talent, we’re not only investing in the future of scaffolding but also in safer, more efficient, and innovative construction practices. To explore apprenticeship opportunities and learn more about the various pathways into scaffolding, head over to our Apprenticeship Page today. Join Us in Celebrating Apprenticeships We invite everyone—apprentices, employers, and industry leaders—to join us in celebrating the achievements of apprentices throughout National Apprenticeship Week. Let’s share stories of success, offer encouragement, and inspire others to take that important first step toward a rewarding career in scaffolding. Together, we’re building the future, one apprentice at a time.

London, UK — UK Construction Week (UKCW) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Scaffolding Association, one of the UK’s leading scaffolding trade bodies. This collaboration will see the Scaffolding Association play a key role at both UK Construction Week London and UK Construction Week Birmingham later this year, strengthening the event’s commitment to showcasing the latest innovations and best practices in the construction industry. The partnership aims to elevate the conversation around scaffolding, ensuring that safety, standards, and new technological developments remain at the forefront of the UK construction industry. By joining forces, UK Construction Week and the Scaffolding Association will provide an invaluable platform for industry professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and explore new solutions within the scaffolding sector. A Partnership Built for Growth and Innovation For UK Construction Week, this partnership represents a significant step in its mission to bring together all corners of the construction industry. With the Scaffolding Association’s expertise and commitment to raising industry standards, UKCW will benefit from enhanced programming that highlights the importance of scaffolding in the broader construction process. For the Scaffolding Association, partnering with UK Construction Week presents a unique opportunity to further strengthen its visibility, engage with key stakeholders, and continue its work in improving safety and efficiency across the sector. The association’s presence at the event will bring added focus to the critical role scaffolding plays in ensuring safe and successful construction projects. Neil Gasford, Divisional Director, Construction, said: “We’re excited to partner with the Scaffolding Association, one of the UK’s leading voices in scaffolding,” said Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director of Construction at UK Construction Week. “This collaboration is a natural fit for us as we continue to drive the conversation around innovation and safety within construction. We look forward to working together to elevate the importance of scaffolding, promote best practices, and create valuable opportunities for the entire construction industry to come together and push boundaries.” The partnership will kick off at UK Construction Week London, taking place at ExCeL London between 7-9 May, followed by UK Construction Week Birmingham at NEC Birmingham on 30 Sept – 2 Oct. Robert Candy, Chief Executive, Scaffolding Association said: “We are pleased to be working with UK Construction Week at both their London and Birmingham events. Their ethos matches the Scaffolding Association’s mission to promote improved safety, competence and innovation within our sector. Scaffolding is an integral part of the construction industry and should be incorporated early into the project planning process. UK Construction week has given us the platform to showcase these procedures and the implications of getting it wrong.”  About UK Construction Week UK Construction Week (UKCW) is the UK’s largest built environment event, bringing together thousands of professionals from the construction sector. UKCW showcases the latest innovations, products, and services, while fostering collaboration, education, and networking across all sectors of the industry. The event features expert-led seminars, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences, providing attendees with valuable insights into the future of construction. About the Scaffolding Association *The Scaffolding Association is the UK's largest trade body for scaffolding contractors representing over 640 businesses in this sector of the Construction industry. It is committed to driving improvements in safety, standards, and the promotion of best practices within the sector. The Scaffolding Association supports its members who deliver high-quality scaffolding solutions across a wide range of construction projects in the UK. For more information on UK Construction Week and to register, visit www.ukconstructionweek.com . For further details about the Scaffolding Association visit www.scaffolding-association.org or call 0300 124 0470.

Calling All Avontus Designer Users: Beat My Scaffold 2025 is Here! 🏗️ The Beat My Scaffold 2025 competition has officially launched, running from January 27 to March 3, 2025 . This is your chance to showcase your most innovative scaffolding designs and compete for incredible prizes! Key Dates: Submissions & Public Voting: January 27 – February 24, 2025 Final Voting (No New Submissions): February 25 – March 3, 2025 Judging: March 4 – March 10, 2025 Winner Announcement: March 13, 2025 How It Works: Submit your 3D scaffold designs (JPG/PNG) through the competition website. Enhance your entry with videos or real-world photos. Gather votes from your friends, family, and colleagues during the voting period! The Top 4 designs with the most votes plus one Avontus staff pick will move to the judging round. Judges will evaluate entries based on design complexity (40%) , presentation (40%) , and public votes (20%) . Prizes: 🏆 1st Place: DJI Air 2S Drone with Camera 🥈 2nd Place: iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation) 🥉 3rd Place: DJI Pocket 2 Camera Showcase your creativity and expertise—submit your design and rally your supporters! 🔗 For more details, visit: Beat My Scaffold 2025

Got an Idea for National Scaffolding Week 2025? We Want to Hear From You! National Scaffolding Week (NSW) was established to encourage engagement within the scaffolding community and to raise the profile of the scaffolding industry. After the huge success of NSW 2024, we’re excited to start planning for NSW 2025 , running from 6th - 10th October 2025 , and we want YOU to help shape the future of this incredible event! NSW has become an essential platform for promoting the vital role scaffolding plays in construction. It’s a time for professionals to come together, share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and address the challenges facing our industry. Whether you have ideas for themes, events, or activities that will highlight our work, we want to hear from you! Your input is crucial to creating a diverse, engaging, and impactful week that resonates across the industry. So, whether you’re an individual, business, or organisation, now’s your chance to get involved and make a difference. Get involved by sending your ideas to info@nationalscaffoldingweek.com Become a supporter! Find out how you can help make NSW 2025 even bigger and better by visiting the supporters page.

Celebrating National Scaffolders Day: Honouring the Backbone of Construction National Scaffolders Day, held on 14th January, is a key occasion for recognising the hardworking professionals and apprentices who form the backbone of the scaffolding industry. This day celebrates the critical role scaffolders play in construction and beyond, highlighting the individuals and innovations that drive the sector forward. From enabling iconic architectural projects to ensuring safety on worksites, scaffolders are essential to the construction process. National Scaffolders Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate this indispensable trade and the contributions of the people behind it. Why Scaffolders Deserve Recognition Scaffolders are often the unsung heroes of construction, but their work is fundamental to the success of every project—from building towering skyscrapers to restoring historic landmarks. National Scaffolders Day recognises: The Workforce: The skilled scaffolders, apprentices, and professionals whose expertise ensures every project is safe and efficient. Innovation: Advances in scaffolding technology, materials, and techniques that elevate the trade. Opportunities: Apprenticeships and training programmes that develop the next generation of scaffolding professionals. Apprenticeships: Building the Future of Scaffolding Apprenticeships are vital to the scaffolding industry, providing aspiring scaffolders with hands-on experience, industry-recognised qualifications, and the opportunity to earn while they learn. For those looking to enter or progress within the scaffolding trade, here are some useful resources: Find Apprenticeships: Find an Apprenticeship Training Programmes: CITB Scaffolding Apprenticeships Employers can also contribute by offering apprenticeships, creating placements, and supporting apprentices in gaining valuable skills. Marking the Date National Scaffolders Day is an independent celebration, but it also ties into broader industry initiatives: National Scaffolding Week: Held from 6th October, this week celebrates the scaffolding industry with events, resources, and opportunities for professionals, apprentices, and employers. National Apprenticeship Week: Running from 10th–16th February 2025, this week highlights the impact of apprenticeships across industries, including scaffolding. National Scaffolders Day serves as a standalone occasion to honour scaffolders, setting the tone for additional celebrations later in the year. How to Get Involved There are many ways to celebrate National Scaffolders Day: Share Your Story: If you’re a scaffolder, apprentice, or employer, share your journey and achievements to inspire others to join the trade. Highlight Apprenticeships: Employers can showcase the benefits of apprenticeships and celebrate the accomplishments of their trainees. Raise Awareness: Promote the importance of scaffolders and the career opportunities available in the trade. A Bright Future for Scaffolders Scaffolding isn’t just a trade—it’s a career with boundless potential. With the support of apprenticeships, training programmes, and innovative professionals, scaffolders will continue to build the structures of the future. Let’s use National Scaffolders Day to honour the scaffolders, apprentices, and employers shaping this essential sector—one scaffold at a time. :

National Scaffolding Week may be over, but our commitment to the industry continues and we’re shining a spotlight on mental health. In the scaffolding industry, physical risks are well-known and managed with care—but the pressures of demanding work schedules, height-related risks, and harsh weather can take a toll on mental health too. Recognising this, the Scaffolding Association is working with the Health and Safety Executive’s Working Minds campaign during Stress Awareness Week to address work-related stress across our sector. Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association, is actively supporting HSE’s initiatives to help scaffolders and employers address the causes of stress, such as workload, lack of control, and insufficient

From career-focused discussions to celebrating the unsung heroes of scaffolding, we’ve covered a lot of ground in just five days. Here’s a recap of the key highlights and milestones from the week.

The construction industry is constantly evolving, with technological advancements shaping how projects are planned, executed, and completed. One innovation making waves across the sector, including the scaffolding industry, is the use of drones. Once associated primarily with entertainment or military use, drones are now becoming an indispensable tool for construction and scaffolding companies. From improving safety to boosting efficiency, drones are transforming how scaffolding projects are managed.

In today’s fast-paced construction environment, technological advancements are reshaping how we design, build, and manage projects. The scaffolding industry is no exception. New technologies such as drones, 3D modelling, and automated inspection tools have streamlined processes and brought greater precision and safety to scaffolding operations. Yet, as the scaffolding industry becomes increasingly digitized, it’s critical not to overlook the enduring value of hands-on expertise.  While technology can enhance efficiency, productivity, and safety, the experience and skills of trained scaffolders remain irreplaceable.

The construction industry is evolving rapidly. New materials, advanced building techniques, and digital technologies are transforming the way we design and construct buildings. But while these changes are grabbing headlines, scaffolding has been quietly undergoing its own evolution.  No longer just a set of metal poles and wooden planks, modern scaffolding is becoming more sophisticated, efficient, and sustainable than ever before.

As we reach Day 4 of National Scaffolding Week (NSW), today is all about celebrating the true stars of the scaffolding industry: the ScaffStars. These individuals have been nominated by their peers for going above and beyond in their roles, contributing to the growth, innovation, and safety of the industry.  Today, we honour their incredible achievements.

As we observe National Scaffolding Week, we celebrate not just the physical structures that scaffolding helps build, but the unseen foundations of support and safety that they symbolise. This year, we align our efforts with World Mental Health Day, focusing on how the scaffolding industry can play a vital role in promoting mental well-being. The scaffolding industry, known for its demanding physical and mental challenges, is often a high-pressure environment. Just like a well-built scaffold provides support for construction, mental health awareness provides the support workers need to stay resilient in their everyday tasks.

As part of National Scaffolding Week 2024, we are thrilled to announce that the Scaffolding Conference will be hosting a charity raffle in support of CRASH Charity. The event, scheduled for Friday, 11th October 2024, at The Belfry, will see all proceeds from the raffle going directly to CRASH, the construction and property industry’s social impact partner. At National Scaffolding Week, we are dedicated to celebrating the positive contributions of the scaffolding sector, and this partnership with CRASH allows us to extend that impact to those who need it most. CRASH has been transforming lives for over 26 years by building and improving spaces for homeless individuals and those with life-limiting illnesses. We are proud to play a role in supporting this essential work through our involvement in the Scaffolding Conference charity raffle. Key members of the CRASH team will be attending the Scaffolding Conference, where they look forward to meeting industry professionals and discussing how scaffolding companies can help drive positive change. This is a great chance for the scaffolding community to come together, learn about CRASH’s mission, and explore ways we can lend our expertise to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people. A CRASH representative expressed excitement about the collaboration: “Partnering with National Scaffolding Week and the Scaffolding Conference provides a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with more experts in the construction industry. We welcome support from scaffolding professionals and companies who can contribute to our ongoing projects that provide dignity and care for those facing homelessness or life-limiting conditions.” CRASH’s projects highlight the profound impact that thoughtfully designed and expertly constructed environments can have, especially for people going through some of life’s most challenging experiences. By pooling the passion and resources of the scaffolding and wider construction sectors, we can help create spaces that truly make a difference. We invite all attendees of the Scaffolding Conference 2024 to participate in the charity raffle and support CRASH’s vital work. Prizes will be announced at the event, and we encourage everyone to join us in raising funds and awareness for this cause. For more information about CRASH’s incredible projects and how you can get involved, please visit www.crash.org.uk . About CRASH CRASH is the social impact partner of the UK construction and property industry, uniting professional expertise, products, and resources to create and improve spaces for homeless individuals and adults and children with life-limiting illnesses. Through collaboration, CRASH creates environments that provide care, dignity, and positive change for vulnerable people.

As we continue National Scaffolding Week (NSW), today’s focus shifts to small scaffolding businesses, which play a vital role in the UK's construction landscape.  These businesses are often the unsung heroes, navigating challenges while uncovering unique opportunities that help drive the industry forward.

In the vast landscape of the construction industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often serve as the backbone, bringing innovation, dedication, and unique perspectives to the scaffolding sector. These businesses not only contribute to the economy but also drive advancements in best practices, sustainability, and safety. In this blog, we’ll explore the vital role that SMEs play in scaffolding, celebrating their successes, challenges, and the family-owned firms that make this industry thrive.

As part of NSW, the Scaffolding Association has urged MPs to visit scaffold companies within their constituencies. These visits are designed to help MPs gain a better grasp of the industry’s critical role in supporting construction projects, ranging from small residential builds to national infrastructure. The ultimate goal is to foster stronger ties between the industry and government, improving conditions and opportunities for our members. This initiative has gained widespread support from MPs, many of whom have agreed to promote NSW through their social media channels and committed to meeting with scaffolding businesses. Their backing is crucial in highlighting the challenges our members face, such as safety regulations, rising material costs, and the need for investment in skills training.

The scaffolding industry plays a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s built environment, yet it often operates behind the scenes, with its contributions to construction projects going unnoticed. However, scaffolding businesses have a powerful opportunity to raise their profile, enhance their reputation, and gain recognition for the critical work they do—by putting themselves forward for industry awards. Industry and local business awards are more than just a pat on the back; they offer scaffolding companies the chance to highlight their professionalism, innovation, and commitment to safety. Winning or being shortlisted for awards can also help attract new clients, inspire employee loyalty, and set a business apart from the competition.