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Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Shaping the Future of Scaffolding

February 10, 2025

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.

Beat My Scaffold 2025 Winners Announced

March 25, 2025
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.
Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders –

Safe Loading and Vehicle Checks for Scaffolders – Essential Driver CPC Module Launched by Scaffolding Association and RHA

February 13, 2025
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

UK Construction Week Announces Partnership with the Scaffolding Association

February 5, 2025
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.
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