The NASC has ramped up its commitment to alleviating labour shortages in the construction industry, earmarking over £300k in training funds for scaffolding and access businesses.
As the construction industry grapples with significant labour shortages, the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) is stepping up its support for scaffolding and access businesses across the UK. By the end of the year, NASC will have invested over £120,000 to aid these companies in staff training initiatives.
Under the visionary leadership of NASC President David Brown, this considerable training fund is in line with a proactive strategy to bolster recruitment and address the labour crunch prevalent in the scaffolding sector and the broader construction industry. The fund, aimed at enhancing the workforce’s skills, is designed to facilitate recruitment and empower businesses to foster a skilled and resilient team.
NASC’s proactive efforts are evident in allocating another £180,000 available for NASC member businesses that apply before November 2024. This further financing will continue to enable training, supporting scaffolding companies needing skilled labour.
In partnership with the Construction Industry Training Scheme (CISRS) and Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA), training providers nationwide are ready to deliver reduced-price training to eligible operatives and staff of scaffolding and access businesses. In a significant boost to the initiative, some of the available grants have increased since the scheme’s inception. Currently, firms can access up to £200 per course, with no cap on the number of operatives eligible for training from each company.
President David Brown, commenting on the initiative’s progress, highlighted that over 30 businesses have already reaped the benefits of the funds, with a total commitment of £120,000 expected by the year’s close.
“With increases in COTS & MHFA course payouts, there is still a substantial amount of funds available for our members. We urge those who have not yet claimed to actively utilise this training pot,” urged Brown.
Echoing the importance of training, NASC CEO Clive Dickin emphasised the critical role it plays in the development of scaffolding and access businesses.
“NASC members can access training grants through their membership, building dynamic teams that are essential in these challenging times,” stated Dickin.
For companies keen to access the training funds, or for those interested in joining the NASC to leverage this initiative, further information can be obtained by contacting the NASC office at (+44) 20 7822 7400 or via email at [email protected].
