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National Scaffolders Day - 14th January 2025
January 14, 2025
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.:
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.