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

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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 – 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