Ten Great Reasons to Work in Scaffolding
May 19, 2023
With so many options available when it comes to employment, you might want to consider, why choose a job in the scaffolding industry? Here we are proud to highlight the many advantages of working in the scaffolding industry.
- Job Security: Scaffolding is an essential part of many construction projects, and as such, there is a high demand for skilled scaffolders. This means that there is a good level of job security in the industry, and those with the necessary skills and qualifications are likely to be in high demand.
- High Earnings Potential: Scaffolders are often paid a good wage, particularly those with experience and qualifications. This means that there is the potential to earn a good salary and progress within the industry.
- Career Progression: There are a variety of roles and career paths available within the scaffolding industry, from scaffolder to supervisor or manager. This means that there are opportunities for career progression and development within the industry.
- Skills Development: Working in scaffolding requires a range of skills, including problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. This means that those who work in the industry can develop a broad range of skills that are transferable to other roles and industries.
- Exciting and Challenging Work: Scaffolding is a physically demanding and challenging job, but it is also exciting and rewarding. Those who work in the industry get to work on a variety of projects, from large-scale construction sites to smaller domestic jobs, which means that there is always something new and interesting to work on.
- Variety of Work Environments: Scaffolding work takes place in a variety of settings, from construction sites to events and festivals. This means that there is a lot of variety in the working environment, and those who work in the industry get to experience a range of different work settings.
- Sense of Community: The scaffolding industry is known for its strong sense of community, with workers often forming close-knit teams and working closely together to get the job done. This can make for a supportive and enjoyable working environment.
- Job Satisfaction: Scaffolding work can be physically demanding, but it can also be highly rewarding. Seeing a project come together and knowing that you played a crucial role in making it happen can be extremely satisfying.
- Opportunities for Travel: As scaffolding is required in many different parts of the world, those who work in the industry may have the opportunity to travel to different locations to work on projects. This can be a great way to see new places and experience different cultures.
- Positive Industry Outlook: Despite the challenges facing the wider construction industry, the scaffolding industry is expected to continue to grow over the coming years. This means that there will be opportunities for those who enter the industry to build a long and rewarding career.
The Construction Skills Shortage and the Scaffolding Sector’s Missing Message The UK’s housing targets are under pressure. The construction sector faces a growing skills shortage, and as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) recently highlighted, one of the root causes is alarmingly simple: young people aren’t hearing about careers in construction. But this problem runs even deeper than housebuilding. At National Scaffolding Week , we see how the lack of construction-focused careers advice affects the entire scaffolding and access sector. Scaffolding is the backbone of construction — from maintenance on heritage buildings to the delivery of modern megaprojects — yet the pathway into our industry remains under-promoted and often misunderstood. Breaking Down Barriers and Busting Myths Despite offering structured training, clear progression routes, and a wealth of skilled and professional opportunities, scaffolding still suffers from outdated stereotypes. Too many young people, teachers, and even parents see it as just a stopgap job, not the highly technical, safety-critical profession that it is. Scaffolding is so much more than tubes and boards. It's about design ingenuity, engineering precision, safety leadership, and project management excellence. It’s about problem-solving, teamwork, and making a visible difference to the world around us. Why Early Engagement Matters If we’re serious about tackling the skills shortage — and if we want to secure the future of the access and scaffolding sector — we need to start early. Careers advice in schools must reflect the real breadth of opportunities available across construction, including scaffolding. That means: Embedding scaffolding into careers education programmes. Creating engaging, relatable role models who can share their stories with young people. Showing the exciting projects and life-changing infrastructure that scaffolders help to make possible. National Scaffolding Week: Leading the Conversation Our mission at National Scaffolding Week is to make scaffolding visible, accessible, and aspirational. We’re here to champion the essential role our sector plays in building Britain — and to ensure that scaffolding is part of the careers conversation in every school and college. Because if young people can’t see it, they can’t be it. Let’s work together to showcase the skills, passion, and pride that drive the scaffolding industry — and inspire the next generation to help us build the future.
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