Apprenticeships in Scaffolding: Building the Next Generation of Scaffolders

October 7, 2024

Apprenticeships have long been a cornerstone of the construction industry in the UK, and the scaffolding sector is no different. For young people and those looking for a career change, scaffolding apprenticeships offer a clear path to a rewarding and challenging profession. But what makes scaffolding apprenticeships so valuable, and how do they contribute to closing the skills gap in the construction industry?


The Importance of Apprenticeships in the Scaffolding Sector

The UK construction industry is facing a skills shortage, and scaffolding is no exception. With over 34,000 scaffolding operatives working across the UK, there is a need for new entrants to meet the demand and replace an ageing workforce.

One of the key ways the industry is tackling this shortage is through apprenticeships. Apprenticeships offer a structured training programme that combines on-the-job learning with classroom-based education. In scaffolding, apprenticeships not only provide the technical skills required to excel in the trade but also help workers gain nationally recognised qualifications.


Why Apprenticeships Are the Best Path to a Career in Scaffolding


Earn While You Learn

One of the biggest benefits of an apprenticeship is that it allows you to earn a wage while gaining practical experience. This means you don’t have to worry about student debt or taking out loans, as many apprenticeships in scaffolding are fully funded by the employer or training provider.

Real-World Experience

As an apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience working on real construction sites under the supervision of skilled professionals. This real-world training gives you a competitive edge when you enter the job market as a qualified scaffolder.

Nationally Recognised Qualifications

Through an apprenticeship, you’ll work towards the scaffolding qualifications that are required to work on most construction sites in the UK . With this qualification, you can progress in your career, eventually becoming a supervisor or even setting up your own scaffolding business.

Success Stories: Apprenticeship to Leadership

Many of today’s scaffolding leaders started their careers as apprentices. For instance, industry veterans often speak of how their time as an apprentice laid the foundation for their success, giving them both the technical know-how and the soft skills to lead teams on major projects.


The Benefits of Apprenticeships for Employers

It’s not just apprentices who benefit from these schemes—employers gain a lot as well. By hiring apprentices, employers can ensure their workforce is trained to the highest standards and is familiar with the latest safety regulations and technologies. Additionally, government funding often helps to offset the cost of training, making it a cost-effective way to build a skilled workforce.


How to Get Started

If you’re interested in pursuing an apprenticeship in scaffolding, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. The CITB is a great place to start, as they offer scaffolding apprenticeships across the UK . Additionally, many scaffolding companies offer in-house training programmes, so it’s worth reaching out to local scaffolding firms to see what opportunities are available.


Apprenticeships are an excellent way to enter the scaffolding industry and build a successful, long-term career. For both individuals and businesses, they provide a clear path to developing the skills, knowledge, and qualifications necessary to thrive in the construction industry.

With the demand for scaffolders growing, now is the perfect time to consider an apprenticeship and join an industry that’s critical to the UK’s construction future.


Remember to check the NSW website for updates on available scaffolding apprenticeships!

May 29, 2025
The Scaffolding Association is excited to confirm that National Scaffolding Week 2025 will take place from Monday 6 October to Friday 10 October 2025 . Now firmly established in the scaffold industry calendar, National Scaffolding Week is a bold and positive campaign that champions the people, progress, and professionalism of scaffolding in the UK. Launched to raise awareness and improve understanding of the industry’s value, the campaign has grown significantly over the last few years. Since its inception, the campaign has reached thousands of people inside and outside the industry, sparked conversations with government, inspired young people to consider scaffolding as a career, and created new opportunities for engagement between scaffolders, educators, clients, and the wider public. A central feature of the campaign has been the celebration of #ScaffStars – individuals from all walks of scaffolding life who go above and beyond. From scaffolders on-site to office-based professionals, apprentices to directors, each ScaffStar story has helped to highlight the skills, commitment and pride that define the scaffold community. But more than that, National Scaffolding Week has become a rallying point for the industry as a whole. It’s a unique opportunity for businesses, individuals, suppliers, manufacturers, training providers, and supporters to come together around a shared purpose: to celebrate achievements, tackle common challenges, and shape the future of scaffolding together. Whether through events, online content, partnerships or local initiatives, the campaign encourages connection and collaboration across all corners of the industry. Over the last few years, the campaign has seen exceptional support from scaffolding companies, educators, media and partner organisations – all helping to ensure that the industry’s contributions to the built environment are seen, understood, and valued. This year’s campaign will continue to focus on inspiring the next generation, amplifying authentic industry voices, and most importantly, bringing the scaffold community together as one. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “National Scaffolding Week is more than a celebration – it’s a platform for pride, progress and unity. Every year, we see companies of all sizes coming together to showcase what scaffolding is really about – professionalism, innovation, and community. In 2025, we want even more people to join us in raising the profile of this incredible industry.” The Scaffolding Association is calling on businesses, individuals, training providers, suppliers, and supporters to get involved and help shape the campaign. The Association will be unveiling this year’s campaign theme, new partnerships, and engagement opportunities over the coming weeks. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to start planning how they’ll get involved. Whether big or small, your voice matters – and your support helps us reach new audiences, shape perceptions, and build a stronger, more connected future for scaffolding. To stay updated and get involved, visit nationalscaffoldingweek.org to download the social toolkit or follow the campaign on social media. Help Us Raise the Profile of National Scaffolding Week 2025 We’ve created a set of downloadable promotional materials to help you show your support for National Scaffolding Week 2025 – including email footers, a website banner, and a range of social media images. We’d really appreciate you using them wherever you can – whether that’s adding the banner to your homepage, using the images on your LinkedIn or Instagram, or including the email footer in your day-to-day correspondence. Every post, tag, and share helps us raise awareness and amplify the voice of the scaffold industry. Your support makes a real difference. www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com
May 14, 2025
National Scaffolding Week is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 , taking place from 12–18 May , led by the Mental Health Foundation — the UK’s leading charity for mental health. This year’s theme, “ Community ”, highlights something we know well in scaffolding: the power of connection, belonging, and everyday support. Whether you’re working at height, on the ground, or behind the scenes, community is what keeps our industry strong — and it’s what can help keep us mentally well too. Why Community Matters in Scaffolding Scaffolding is a team effort. From the early starts and long days, to the careful planning and physical demands of the job — no one does it alone. That sense of teamwork and trust is more than just good practice — it’s a lifeline. Scaffolding is built on teamwork. From the early starts and long days, to the careful planning and physical demands of the job — no one works in isolation.  Checking in with a colleague, taking breaks together, or making time to talk when someone’s struggling, can make a real difference. Mental Health Is Everyone’s Business We echo the words of Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, who said: “Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that community is not just a word — it’s something we create through the way we treat each other, look out for one another, and make space to talk.” His message is a timely one. Mental health isn’t a side issue — it belongs on every toolbox talk, every company agenda, and every scaffolding site across the UK. Where to Get Support National Scaffolding Week proudly supports the work of these incredible organisations making a difference in our industry: Mates in Mind – Mental health education and support tailored to construction. Lighthouse Club – Financial, emotional and wellbeing help for construction workers and their families. Construction Sport – Using sport to create space for mental health conversations and connection. Working Minds Campaign (HSE) – Tools and resources to help employers tackle work-related stress. ManKind CIC – Peer support, mentoring and wellbeing programmes for tradespeople. Be Part of the Change Whether you’re an apprentice or a company director, you have a role to play in building a healthier, more connected scaffold community. During Mental Health Awareness Week, we encourage everyone across the industry to: Start a conversation about mental health Share resources on site Recognise when someone might need support — and reach out Because in scaffolding, we don’t just build structures. We build people up too. Find more Mental Health Awareness Week resources here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week Mates in Mind – www.matesinmind.org Lighthouse Club – www.lighthouseclub.org Construction Sport – www.constructionsport.com Working Minds Campaign (HSE) – https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/working-minds ManKind CIC – www.mankindcic.co.uk
May 12, 2025
Scaffolding Association Launches New Guidance on Scaffold Inspections to Raise Industry Standards The Scaffolding Association has published the first in a new series of guidance documents designed to support scaffolding professionals and promote safety best practice across the sector. The new guidance focuses on scaffold inspections, emphasising their essential role in ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of scaffolding structures on sites of all types. As part of its commitment to raising standards and enhancing the professional reputation of the scaffolding industry, the Association is developing a range of practical and accessible resources to assist both its members and the wider sector in understanding and applying best practice. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, commented: “We are committed to supporting our members with clear, practical resources that help maintain safe working environments and uphold the highest levels of professionalism. Scaffold inspections are fundamental to reducing risk and ensuring compliance, and we are proud to offer this guidance as part of our mission to promote best practice across the sector.” The Association encourages scaffolding companies to download, review, and implement the guidance within their organisations. It is designed to support internal safety initiatives such as toolbox talks, training programmes, and client engagement — helping businesses demonstrate alignment with current industry expectations. This publication marks the beginning of a broader programme of guidance materials that the Scaffolding Association will be releasing over the coming months. Each resource will focus on key aspects of scaffolding operations, supporting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across the profession. Download the Guidance
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