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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.

When we marvel at towering skyscrapers, intricate bridges, or modern stadiums, we often overlook the people who make such projects possible. While architects and engineers play a critical role in the design of these structures, it’s scaffolders—the hidden heroes of the construction industry—who create the literal platforms on which these designs are brought to life.  Scaffolding operatives are responsible for erecting, maintaining, and dismantling the temporary structures that allow other trades to safely complete their work. From the initial stages of a project to the final touches, scaffolders are essential to the construction process. However, their work often goes unnoticed, despite the fact that their expertise is crucial to every building site.

Construction is one of the most important industries in the world, driving urbanisation and the creation of infrastructure that keeps modern society running. While the spotlight often shines on architects, engineers, and builders, scaffolding plays a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in the success of almost every project. Whether it’s the restoration of a historic cathedral or the construction of a towering skyscraper, scaffolding ensures that projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on time. Scaffolding is, quite literally, the backbone of construction—supporting workers, materials, and machinery in places that would otherwise be impossible to reach. As we look at some of the most iconic structures in the UK and around the world, we are reminded that none of them could have been built without the scaffolding structures that made them possible.

As we mark the start of National Scaffolding Week 2024, the Scaffolding Association are delighted to announce a new partnership with City & Guilds Training with the launch of exclusive Skills Bootcamps for Scaffolding Training. Skills Bootcamps for Scaffolding Training City & Guilds Training's Skills Bootcamps for Scaffolding training are exclusively available in partnership with the Scaffolding Association and offer 70-100% funding for Part 1, 2 and Advanced CISRS Courses for both CITB and non CITB registered companies.  The NVQ and Skills Assessments can also be booked separately. With the scaffolding industry worth over £2.86bn to the UK economy annually, and with over 6,000 scaffolding companies operating in the UK alone, the sector has huge growth potential and offers individuals fantastic progression. Via these funded scaffolding courses, City & Guilds Training, in partnership with the Scaffolding Association, aim to upskill members of the industry to provide them with thriving careers and allow the sector to reach its full potential. Courses currently being offered include: · CISRS Part 1 Metrix · CISRS Part 1 Layher · CISRS Part 2 Metrix · CISRS Part 2 Layher · CISRS Advanced Course About Skills Bootcamps As part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, the Government has invested into a series of ‘Skills for Life’ Bootcamps, to provide a range of flexible training options targeting specific industries and aimed at equipping individuals with necessary skills for working in sectors with high job demand, providing learners with job-ready skills Skills Bootcamps offer free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. They are available for adults aged 19 or over who are either in work, seeking a new role or recently unemployed and live in England. They give people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills which are relevant to gain employment. You can find out more about Skills Bootcamps here . Apply for Skills Bootcamps for Scaffolding Spaces for the funded scaffolding training are limited and available to members of the Scaffolding Association on a first come, first served basis. Don’t miss out, enquire today .

When you think of scaffolding, what comes to mind? You might imagine teams of workers assembling the towering metal structures that line construction sites. But scaffolding is so much more than that! Behind every build, restoration, and maintenance project is a complex web of planning, logistics, and expertise. The scaffolding industry offers a diverse range of career opportunities, suitable for individuals with various skills, interests, and backgrounds. From hands-on construction roles to management, technical design, and even digital innovation, the scaffolding sector provides long-term, fulfilling career paths. Whether you’re just starting out, changing careers, or looking for opportunities to progress, scaffolding has something to offer everyone.

Apprenticeships have long been a cornerstone of the construction industry in the UK, and the scaffolding sector is no different.

When it comes to career opportunities in construction, scaffolding is often an overlooked but essential trade. Scaffolding not only offers a hands-on, practical career but also provides immense opportunities for career progression, skills development, and even self-employment.

We are happy to announce the themes for this year's National Scaffolding Week (NSW). NSW will be running from Monday 7th October to Friday 11th October, and aims to provide an opportunity to highlight some of the achievements of the organisations and individuals operating within the scaffolding sector and showcase best practice and innovation. Through a series of themed days, the week will explore the dynamic nature of scaffolding, from career opportunities to innovations, highlighting how scaffolding supports modern construction. Day 1: Scaffolding as a Career Path – Skills for Success The week will kick off with a focus on scaffolding as an exciting career choice. This day will provide insights into the diverse skills required for scaffolding, opportunities for apprenticeships, and career progression, encouraging young people and career changers to consider this rewarding path. Day 2: The Backbone of Construction – Recognising Scaffolding’s Contribution On Day 2, we will delve into scaffolding’s essential role in major construction projects, showcasing how it supports iconic structures like stadiums, bridges, and skyscrapers. This day highlights the scaffolding industry’s invisible but crucial work behind the scenes. Day 3: Small Businesses, Big Impact – Celebrating SMEs in Scaffolding Day 3 is dedicated to the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the scaffolding industry. We will celebrate the contributions of family-owned businesses, the innovation they bring to the sector, and the unique challenges and opportunities they face. Day 4: Celebrating the ScaffStars – Honouring Industry Stars A highlight of the week will be the ScaffStar Awards, which recognise individuals who have made a lasting impact in scaffolding. Throughout the day, we’ll showcase the ScaffStar Award winners and their achievements, as well as promote the broader community contributions of scaffolding companies. Day 5: Technology Meets Tradition – Merging Modern Tools with Classic Techniques The final day will focus on the fusion of technology with traditional scaffolding methods. From drones and 3D printing to sustainable practices, we’ll explore how innovation is enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in scaffolding. You can get involved with National Scaffolding Week as we celebrate the incredible individuals, businesses, and innovations shaping the future of scaffolding in the UK, make sure you use the hashtag #ScaffWeek for any of your social media activities over the week.