National Scaffolding Week 2024: A Look Back at a Transformative Week for the Industry

October 22, 2024

As National Scaffolding Week 2024 is over and done with for another year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been an action-packed and inspiring week for the scaffolding industry. 


From career-focused discussions to celebrating the unsung heroes of scaffolding, we’ve covered a lot of ground 

in just five days. 


Here’s a recap of the key highlights and milestones from the week.


Day 1: Scaffolding as a Career Path – Skills for Success

We kicked off National Scaffolding Week with a focus on the diverse opportunities that scaffolding offers as a career. From apprenticeship programmes to pathways for career changers, Day 1 was all about showcasing scaffolding as a rewarding and dynamic profession. We’ve seen fantastic engagement from young people and professionals considering a shift into scaffolding, which will help future-proof the industry for years to come.


Day 2: The Backbone of Construction – Recognising Scaffolding’s Contribution

On the second day, we spotlighted scaffolding’s essential role in construction. Often invisible but always critical, scaffolding supports some of the most iconic structures in the world—from stadiums to skyscrapers. The scaffolding industry enables the construction sector to thrive, and this day was about making sure that contribution didn’t go unnoticed.


Day 3: Small Businesses, Big Impact – Celebrating SMEs in Scaffolding

SMEs are the backbone of the scaffolding industry, and Day 3 was all about honouring their achievements. We celebrated family-run businesses, innovative start-ups, and the unique contributions smaller companies bring to the scaffolding world. From overcoming industry challenges to embracing innovation, SMEs are vital to the future of scaffolding.


Day 4: Celebrating the ScaffStars – Honouring Industry Stars

A major highlight of the week was the ScaffStar Awards. This prestigious event recognised individuals and teams who have made outstanding contributions to the scaffolding industry. From safety excellence to innovation, the ScaffStar winners embody the very best of scaffolding, setting new standards for professionalism and skill. Their achievements have inspired many across the industry to strive for similar levels of excellence.


Day 5: Technology Meets Tradition – Merging Modern Tools with Classic Techniques

On the final day, we explored how technology is reshaping the scaffolding industry. Innovations like drones, 3D printing, and sustainable materials are transforming traditional methods, leading to safer and more efficient scaffolding solutions. As we look to the future, it’s clear that a blend of modern technology and time-tested techniques will continue to elevate the industry.


Scaffolding Conference and Charity Support

National Scaffolding Week culminated with the highly anticipated Scaffolding Conference, held at The Belfry on October 11th. Attendees gained invaluable insights from industry experts and innovators while exploring the future of scaffolding. A standout moment during the day was the ScaffStar Awards. These awards recognised individuals and teams for their outstanding contributions to the scaffolding industry. It was an inspiring celebration of those who have gone above and beyond in demonstrating excellence, safety, and innovation.


In the evening, the focus shifted to charity as we hosted a CRASH raffle during the Scaffolding Conference dinner. The event raised vital funds to support CRASH’s work in helping homelessness and hospice projects, making a meaningful difference through the scaffolding community’s generosity.


Ongoing Engagement and Advocacy

Throughout the week, we saw incredible engagement across social media, with companies, individuals, and MPs joining the conversation. Our advocacy efforts with MPs have continued to gather momentum, as many politicians are now recognising the scaffolding industry’s contribution to the UK economy and construction sector. We have also maintained our focus on mental health, supporting Mental Health Day during the week and encouraging open conversations around well-being within the industry.


Looking Ahead

National Scaffolding Week 2024 has been an unforgettable celebration of the scaffolding sector’s strength, resilience, and innovation. We’re proud of the achievements showcased over the past five days and are excited about the future of the industry. From partnerships like the City & Guilds Skills Bootcamps to continued advocacy for the sector, we’re committed to building a brighter future for scaffolding professionals.


Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s events, whether by attending the conference, supporting CRASH, or engaging with us online. Together, we’ve highlighted the scaffolding industry’s invaluable contributions and set the stage for continued growth and success.


Let’s keep the momentum going as we look forward to even greater achievements in the coming year! #ScaffWeek2024 #BuildingTheFuture

SCAFF STAR NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

July 28, 2025
National Scaffolding Week (NSW) returns for 2025 to celebrate the many achievements of the scaffold and access sector and to highlight the wide range of roles and opportunities the industry has to offer. We’re inviting you to nominate the individuals who go above and beyond every day—on site, in the office, or in the wider community. In an industry worth over £2.86bn to the UK economy, with more than 34,000 scaffolding operatives and countless others in supporting roles, there are stories of hard work, generosity, and inspiration waiting to be told. Do you know someone who has: Raised money for charity through their scaffolding business? Played a key role in training and mentoring the next generation? Dedicated their life to the scaffold industry and deserves long-overdue recognition? Whatever their story, we want to hear it! Nominated individuals will be celebrated across our website and social media using the hashtag #ScaffStar, and recognised at a special awards ceremony taking place during National Scaffolding Week 2025. You can even nominate someone who has been a ScaffStar before! The deadline for nominations is Monday 30th September. Take a look at our 2024 Scaff Stars to see the inspiring individuals recognised last year. Submit your nomination and help us celebrate the stars of our industry!

Dates Announced for National Scaffolding Week 2025

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

Community in Scaffolding Starts with Us - Mental Health Awareness Week

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
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