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

Where's The Careers Advice for the Roles That Build Britain

April 23, 2025
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.

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
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