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

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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