Blog Layout

Plugging the skills gap and refilling the talent pool

September 24, 2022

Recruitment in all sectors has become an uphill battle. With the loss of migratory labour largely due to the pandemic and Brexit, industry as a whole has been hit hard over recent years. However, as far as construction is concerned, opportunities and demand are forecast to increase and prospects for the future are looking much brighter.


However, to be able to provide the opportunities that this increased demand will bring, the scaffolding sector needs to plug the skills shortage it is currently experiencing. Over the last few years, we could liken scaffolding to a leaky bathtub - a large pool of experience and skills which are quickly swirling down the plughole of retirement. Add to this a tap which is slowly trickling new talent through and you are quickly in a skills deficit.


So, how do we attract more people to take up roles within the scaffolding sector and stop the skills leak?


There are many ways we can do this and proactive campaigns, such as National Scaffolding Week, are just one of them. By promoting the scaffolding sector for what it is - a diverse and rewarding sector - we can slowly begin to bend the ear of a new generation and encourage them to seek employment in a sector which is due to see much growth and investment over the coming years. Changing the perception of scaffolding is just part of a battle we need to overcome in order to win the recruitment war.


We mustn’t forget that new talent can come in all different shapes and sizes, for example, schemes to support ex-offenders and ex-armed forces personnel during their transition into new posts are becoming increasingly popular and well-funded. Similarly, talent can come from career-changers, those who have started along a career path and now, for whatever reason, are looking to ‘jump ship’ and retrain in a completely different industry.


Many employers would say funding is a major stumbling block for developing and retaining talent. So, what can be done to help? The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and your local trade association will be able to help and support you in working out what funding you could secure. For example, the Skills and Training Fund can help small and micro construction companies fund and deliver learning and development opportunities for their workforce. Conversely, for larger companies with more than 250 directly employed staff can access funds to help develop and improve leadership and management skills. To book a place at the next CITB webinar about skills and training funds for small and micro companies, click here. 


If you think scaffolding could be a viable option for you, there are several routes you can take to help you on your journey to becoming a scaffolder. You could search for an apprenticeship via the Apprenticeships website, apply directly to a local employer or complete a college course at level 1 or 2 in a construction-related field.


There are no formal qualifications required to start working as a scaffolder, however, in order to work as a scaffolder on a construction site, you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card to demonstrate your competence

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

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.
More Posts
Share by: