New scaffolder training centre opens in Qatar

Safety and Access and Aecor International Training have gained Overseas Scaffolders Training (OSTS) accreditation from CISRS for a new centre in Al Khor, Qatar.

The UK training firm and Aecor International already have a very successful partnership with their centre in Nepal and are hoping to emulate that in the Middle East.

According to CISRS, there are many Nepalese scaffolders working in the Oil and Gas industry in Qatar who already hold CISRS OSTS qualifications after been trained at the Safety & Access centre in Kathmandu.

The opening of the training facility at Al Khor will help those scaffolders to continue their progression through CISRS training Level 2, 3 and 4, etc whilst they are working locally, rather than having to wait until they return home.

Rick Statham, Joint Managing Director of Safety and Access, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to provide CISRS OSTS training in Qatar once again. The training facilities developed with AECOR International are excellent and with the location close to Ras Laffan we are confident that this training and skills service will be a welcome support to local businesses.

“We have an immediate demand for training at the centre and this is set to continue for the foreseeable future.”

The centre has initially been accredited to deliver Level 1, 2 and 3 OSTS Scaffolder Training, Basic and Advanced Inspection and Scaffolding Supervisor courses but also plans to introduce CPD and Cuplok Systems training in the near future, as the product is widely used in Qatar.

Dave Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager, said: “It’s great to see the centre getting off to such a flying start, with 60 operatives attending Level 1 Scaffolder training before the end of last year. Qatar has reacted very positively to the introduction of CISRS OSTS.

“On a previous visit I met with Ashghal the Public Authority for Health and Safety they have been very proactive when it comes to scaffolder safety, they were very keen to see OSTS introduced and will be looking for CISRS qualified scaffolders on their many projects going forward.”