Yesterday, the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) hosted a pivotal reception at the House of Commons, emphasising the urgent need for skills development within the scaffolding industry.
NASC members, alongside MPs and Lords, were addressed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, who expressed her understanding of the sector’s challenges and commitment to transforming outdated perceptions of construction careers.
“I know that the construction industry has serious skills challenges… We need to make sure that it is showcased in schools so that young people can see what’s available to them,” stated Secretary Keegan.
“I welcome the work that the NASC and the NFB are doing to highlight how dynamic and rewarding construction can be.”
NASC President David Brown underscored the Confederation’s dedication to upskilling the workforce: “If we don’t have the skilled, motivated people; we won’t have the successful access and scaffolding businesses. Training is the cornerstone of our industry’s success…”
Since 2022, the NASC has invested over £180,000 in supporting member development through the President’s Training Fund. Later this month, the Talent Solution initiative will launch, connecting motivated candidates with quality employers.
NASC CEO Clive Dickin drove home the situation’s urgency: “From my perspective since I joined the sector, the NASC membership has consistently been crying out that we need talent, talent, talent!
There is a shortage of talent, both committed people entering and of the standard that the sector expects. I feel there is also a confidence issue around actually being able to invest in the infrastructure to make sure there is a capacity that we want.”
He continued, “This isn’t today a short term quick fix, we have got to see teachers in schools talking about scaffolding and all of the other trades in the construction industry, but that action needs to start now, because if we don’t, there is absolutely no way in 15 years’ time scaffolding is still going to be recognised as the important and powerful industry that it is right now.”
The reception marks the NASC’s commitment to engaging with parliamentarians to address the need for a robust educational pipeline and innovative talent acquisition strategies.
Held in association with the National Federation of Builders, the reception underscored the NASC’s forthcoming talent initiative as a top priority for both the industry and UK growth.