New scaffolding training centre opens in Aberdeen

Declared by the Construction and Industry Training Board (CITB) to be the first scaffolding training centre to deliver apprenticeships and commercial courses in the North East of Scotland, a new state-of-the-art facility opened in Clinterty, Aberdeen on October 3. Ian Hughes, strategic partnerships director at CITB Scotland said, “This top quality training centre will offer young people a chance to start a successful career in construction.”

The centre is a partnership between the CITB and ASET International Oil & Gas Training Academy (ASET) and has benefitted from an over £1 million investment. The CITB say that the new centre offers, “High quality professional training and a comprehensive portfolio of CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) and SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) accredited scaffolding courses.” And, that, “These will train and upskill the Scottish workforce and benefit both the construction and oil and gas industries.”

Nine apprentices have already started their courses and although it is early days a spokesperson for the CITB said that the Aberdeen location may prove to be particularly attractive to potential apprentices from the Highlands and Islands. “The possibility of a second CISRS accredited centre in Scotland has been discussed at length. We are delighted that ASET and CITB have built an excellent facility and we wish them a very successful future,” said David Mosley, CISRS scheme manager.

Kevin Malone of Dundee-based Skyline Scaffolding Ltd, employs apprentice scaffolder Darren Holt, who has just begun his training at the new facility.

“I was extremely happy when I heard the new centre was opening. It is long overdue, and will certainly be a great boost for scaffolding training in the area,” said Malone.

Atholl Menzies, chief executive at ASET said, “This is an exciting time for ASET and CITB as we now begin to realise our vision of creating a centre of excellence for scaffolding training in the North of Scotland. This purpose–built facility is perfectly positioned to meet the demand for accredited training at introductory and advanced levels – from Dundee to Shetland.

The apprenticeship provision will help to attract new entrants into the industry, making an important contribution to the local economy. The extensive range of commercial courses available will open up new opportunities for employers and individuals alike.

Organisations now have greater choice in selecting the right training options to develop the skills of their workforce, and individuals can choose to develop existing or acquire new skills in readiness for market opportunities in the decommissioning arena.”