A new trade body has been launched to support and strengthen scaffolding training across the UK, as tensions mount over proposed changes to the long-established CISRS scheme.
The newly formed Scaffolding Training Alliance (STA) brings together a collective of experienced scaffolding professionals and training providers. Its creation comes at a time of uncertainty in the sector, with some training centres voicing concerns over reforms announced yesterday to the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), which has served as the industry standard for six decades.
The alliance said it aims to “maintain and improve upon existing scaffolding and safety standards” while ensuring scaffolding training remains consistent, accessible, and high-quality for both learners and employers.
A spokesperson for the STA, speaking to the Construction Enquirer, described the move as “a fantastic opportunity” to unite voices from across the scaffolding training sector. They said the alliance will focus on “sustainable, effective training practices, in a safe environment” that meet the evolving needs of the UK’s access industry.
While the STA said it would embrace digital tools where appropriate, it emphasised that hands-on skills will remain at the heart of its training programmes — including the safe use and erection of both traditional tube and fitting scaffolds and modern system scaffolds.
“Scaffolding is a high-risk sector,” the spokesperson added. “We need to be assured that operatives who pass through our training centres are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to carry out their work safely and competently — especially when working at height or undertaking manual handling tasks.”
The STA also expressed a desire to collaborate with a broad range of industry organisations, including the NASC, ASITO, the Scaffolding Association, HSE, Build UK, CSCS, CITB and Unite.
“We look forward to engaging with industry employer representatives and the wider construction community,” the alliance said. “Our goal is to encourage healthy debate and contribute to the continued growth and success of the scaffolding sector — something we are all deeply passionate about.”
Scaffmag has reached out to CISRS and NASC for comment.
