The UK’s largest trade association for the scaffolding industry has met with Minister for Industry, Lee Rowley MP, to discuss labour and skills shortages in the scaffolding and access sector.
The Scaffolding Association (SA) has met with Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Industry at the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Rowley has been responsible for the construction industry since his appointment in September of last year. He is also the co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC).
As previously reported the scaffolding and access sector has a growing labour and skills shortage, and the Association used the opportunity to raise its member’s views as to the causes and possible solutions.
The SA said that ‘a week prior to meeting with the minister, the Association had canvassed industry opinion, during a round of virtual member briefings that are held on a quarterly basis.’
Labour and skills shortages are widespread throughout the construction sector which estimates over 200,000 new workers will be required in the next 5 years to meet demand.
Robert Candy
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “Government can support with resolving labour and skills shortages. However, industry and others have a part to play too. We are grateful to the Minister for listening to our concerns and for showing interest in helping to find solutions. We look forward to working more closely with the minister and officials from across government on this and many other issues of member importance.”
Scaffolding training providers SIMIAN is offering FREE career progression for scaffolders and trainees that live or work in the Greater Manchester area.
If you live or work in a Greater Manchester Combined Authority Postcode, you could be eligible to take the next step on your career progression ladder by securing a place on a fully-funded CISRS Scaffolding training course.
SIMIAN say they have secured a limited amount of skills training funding for those who either live, work or are employed in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area, and it can be used for CISRS Part One, Part Two and Advanced Scaffolder Training.
The funding, secured via North West Skills Academy Limited (NWSA) and GMCA, will be used to upskill Greater Manchester’s workforce, and the application process is open to any individual who has a current CISRS card, ranging from CISRS COTS to Part 2.
NWSA was awarded the funding by Greater Manchester Combined Authority as part of its three-year Skills for Growth programme. Skills for Growth is funded through the European Social Fund and aims to plug the skills gaps in priority sectors across Greater Manchester as outlined in the Combined Authority’s Local Industrial Strategy. For more info on the fund, search #SkillsForGrowthGM.
Speaking of the initiative, Natalie Hadfield, Apprenticeship Manager at SIMIAN, said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to tap into this upskilling fund, as it gives GMCA residents and workers the opportunity to progress, with the potential of having increased earning capability. It’s a small piece of good news in what has generally been a very challenging couple of years for almost everybody.”
Sam Riley, CEO of NWSA, said: “We’re excited at the opportunity of expanding our offering into scaffolding, which is a new initiative for us. SIMIAN is the largest and most renowned provider of CISRS training in the region and we’re delighted that working with them will give NWSA the opportunity to bring direct skills benefits to the employers and residents of the GMCA area.”
SIMIAN stress that the funding is strictly limited to those living, working or employing in the following Greater Manchester postcode areas:
BL1, BL2, BL3, BL4, BL5, BL6, BL8, BL9
M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8, M9, M11, M12, M13, M14, M15, M16, M17, M18, M19, M20, M21, M22, M23, M24, M25, M26, M27, M28, M29, M30, M31, M32, M33, M34, M35, M38, M40, M41, M43, M44, M45, M46, M50, M90
OL1, OL2, OL3, OL4, OL5, OL6, OL7, OL8, OL9, OL10, OL11, OL15, OL16
SK1, SK2, SK3, SK4, SK5, SK6, SK7, SK8, SK9, SK14, SK15, SK16
WA14, WA15
WN1, WN2, WN3, WN4, WN5, WN7
If you would like to take up the offer of fully-funded training apply via the SIMIAN website by clicking here.
About the European Social Fund
This project receives funding from the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England.
The Department for Work and Pensions is the Managing Authority for the England European Social Fund programme. Established by the European Union, the European Social Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support skills development, employment and job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations. For more information visit www.gov.uk.
AT-PAC Ringlock scaffolding system has received one of the world’s most recognized approvals for scaffolding – the DIBt.
The Ringlock brand has become the world’s first non-European scaffold system with the DIBt approval.
In autumn 2020, AT-PAC and Doka entered into a global strategic partnership. This combined AT-PAC’s many years of scaffolding experience with Doka’s global presence. AT-PAC’s Ringlock system has been adopted and implemented by Doka as their own Scaffolding System to provide customers ‘more than formwork’.
The DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik) is a leading technical authority responsible for granting national approvals for construction products in Germany. It is one of the most recognized and regulated approvals for scaffolding worldwide.
AT-PAC say its proprietary quality assurance program and rigorous quality checks and expert scaffold knowledge have been proven to be successful by securing the DIBt approval and guarantees customers a supply of high-quality scaffolding system with globally recognized approvals and certifications.
Jeff Davis – CEO of AT-PAC said: “This marks a major milestone in the scaffolding strategy of AT-PAC Doka.”“The DIBt certification marks a significant milestone in our company’s history and realizes our vision over the past 10+ years to invest in the development of our products to build the basis for international growth and be recognized as one of the major scaffolding players in the market.”
The new app is designed to give its employees instant access to H&S, wellbeing and company information.TRAD Group has launched a dedicated app to help its workforce access critical services and information and to help make sure communications reach everyone. The app offers employees a range of services to help keep them in constant touch with the business.
“We felt that we needed to bring some innovation to our internal communications,” says TRAD’s Group HR Director, Ros Howe. “Our email communications often didn’t reach our whole workforce and some employees were missing out on crucial information. The app is designed to make sure that everyone can access news, updates and our wellbeing services instantly wherever they are.”
The app has sections dedicated to health and safety, wellbeing, news and the company’s Personal Engagement Programme. There’s also a space for employee suggestions and for the Group’s charity and CSR focus – this year, it is aiming to raise £22,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust in memory of former TRAD director, John Paterson.
“TRAD is recognised as an innovative company,” says Des Moore, CEO. “This doesn’t just apply to our products, but to the way we run our business, and the new app is a great example of this. Our culture is all about including our people at every stage and making sure that everyone feels they are ‘at home’ when they work for us. I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact that the app will have across the Group.”
Scaffolding trade body the NASC now has a full complement of regional Vice Chairs through the appointment of Mark Skinner in Scotland & Northern Ireland.
Mark, Technical Director and co-founder at City Access Scaffolding Ltd, brings more than 20 years of scaffolding industry experience to the role, having served his time as a scaffolding apprentice working on the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, and subsequently holding trade, supervisory and management roles on a variety of high-profile projects in the industrial/offshore sector.
Speaking about his position as NASC Vice Chair, he said: “I’m really looking forward to working alongside the Regional Chair, Ronnie Charters, to deliver the best for members across Scotland & Northern Ireland.“I hope to bring a fresh set of eyes with a background from old school and new school scaffolding to help the NASC keep bettering the industry and looking after other scaffolding companies out there.”
Ronnie Charters added: “I’m pleased to have Mark as Vice Chair. He’s someone I know really well, so I know he’ll be a real asset to the region.”
Mark’s appointment means that all five NASC regions now have Chairs and Vice Chairs in place.
NASC Managing Director Robin James said: “It’s great to have a full set of Vice Chairs as this ensures that the members across the UK have two contacts within their region to approach with any questions or suggestions, and also helps with succession planning.”
Tributes have been paid to a well-known scaffolder described as a ‘beautiful soul’ who died suddenly after falling ill whilst working offshore.
Glasgow scaffolder and dad-of-three Alan Carr became unwell whilst working offshore last week and died a few days later on March 31 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Alan’s sister Siobhan Byrne told the Daily Record her brother was a ‘beautiful soul’.
She added: “Alan had such a beautiful soul, who touched so many lives. It has been incredible to see how much he meant to everyone.”
Following Alan’s tragic passing his friend Robert Nicholson set up a Go Fund Me page to help pay for funeral costs.
In just three days he has raised over £8,000.
Posting on the fundraising page and speaking about his friend Robert said: “For anyone that new Alan knows he’s one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was always happy smiling away, everyone that ever worked with Alan instantly liked him as he had a heart of gold and had time for everyone. He was so well-loved in the construction industry all over the UK.”
“let’s give Alan’s family the love and support they need at this terrible, tragic time.
“Rest in peace AL.”
Friends and family have also left messages of tribute to Alan on the fundraising page.
Ryan Mckenzie said: “See you up in the great gig in the Sky for that game of switch you promised me Alan Double or Quits!! I will miss you pal.”
Michael Sinclair said: “Shared a room with Alan, as people have already said he had a heart of gold and nobody had a bad word to say about him ever, rest easy mate.”
John Cain added: “Had the pleasure in working with Alan and also out with work as a friend. Always had a story, and they were brilliant to listen to. Too many good things to say about the man !. If you knew him then you know where I am coming from. REST IN PEACE ALAN KEEP THE FAITH!”To donate to the fundraiser click here
After having entered into exclusive negotiations with the Engie Group for the acquisition of Endel in August 2021, Altrad has today confirmed the effective acquisition of Endel on April 1st, 2022.
The global company says the agreement has been reached following regulatory approval of the transaction and after consultation with the employee representative bodies.
Endel is a leading French company with expertise and know-how in mechanical engineering and metallurgy, with unrivalled capabilities in many sectors, including the nuclear industry.
For Altrad, Endel’s teams will be an important additional asset, as the Group is always looking for qualified people with solid experience.
In a statement Altrad said it will continue to invest in Endel’s success in the enlarged structure, to develop the skills of the teams, the Group’s network in France and its international activities.
Mohed Altrad, President of the eponymous group, stated: “All the conditions were in place for this operation to take place under the best possible conditions. I am delighted with this new combination: Endel’s activities are highly complementary to those of Altrad and our objective in working together is to create value, not only for our clients but also for our teams, by giving them the means to implement a structured and viable long-term strategic plan. Our confidence in this transaction is based first and foremost on Endel’s skilled and qualified employees, for whom we have the utmost respect”.
Ran Oren, Altrad’s Co-CEO, added: “Altrad is pleased to welcome Endel within our Group. This is an important step and a major operation for us. We are all very enthusiastic about the idea of being able to build, with the Endel teams, a solid project for a sustainable future, over the long term. Besides, this is one of the most significant steps in Altrad’s evolution in recent years”.
Over the last 12 months, Altrad has completed a significant number of acquisitions, adding over €1 billion to its turnover worldwide. In the coming years, the Group have said it will continue to integrate new companies seamlessly, while generating value and developing and diversifying its portfolio of services and products.
Fast-growing national scaffolding, brickwork, and drywall business, Phoenix Brickwork, has announced its intention to create a state-of-the-art training academy for apprentices in Derbyshire.
Chairman of Phoenix Brickwork, Christian Watson, said the Phoenix Brickwork Training Academy, which is in the early stages of planning and development, will invest in young people who have a passion to work in scaffolding, drylining and bricklaying.
Christian Watson Phoenix Chairman
He believes the new facility will boost the number of Derbyshire-based teenagers taking up apprenticeships and wanting to launch their careers in the industry.
Christian said: “It is my ambition to see more youngsters learn real, practical skills in scaffolding, drylining and bricklaying. Some people find academic study a struggle, but they often thrive when they learn on the job.“Establishing a Phoenix Brickwork Training Academy means we can invest in our industry and provide young people with genuine trade skills, and not just a certificate.”
Apprenticeships are now a popular career option for young people and for Dylan Tewson, Oliver Thomas and Jordan Crofts, starting at Phoenix Brickwork has changed their lives – and their outlook on employment – for the better.
The trio make up a cohort of 20 apprentices at Pinxton-based Phoenix Brickwork.
Dylan Tewson, 21, is a trainee Quantity Surveyor at Phoenix and loves learning on the job. He says he is most excited about getting a degree and becoming a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor with ambitions to advance into a commercial manager role.
Apprentice Dylan Tewson“Working for Phoenix has been good for me,” said Dylan. “I joined Phoenix to gain more knowledge and practical experience in the job, and I fitted in straight away. I really enjoy being an apprentice. This opportunity provides me with hands-on experience and I’m earning money.”
A positive attitude and a genuine desire to work is why Oliver Thomas, 21, is another success story at Phoenix. He says he is excited about gaining recognised practical qualifications, furthering his knowledge, and starting his career.
“What I love most about Phoenix is learning a variety of different skills and working alongside experienced tradesmen who are willing to pass on their knowledge to me.”
Jordan Crofts, 22, joined the team of apprentices in November 2021, and is determined to progress at Phoenix Brickwork.
Apprentice Jordan Crofts
He said: “I really love working on site and getting involved in different tasks. Having support from the team and gaining knowledge from Site Managers and Bricklayers is so beneficial.”
Christian Watson said: “It is so encouraging to read what our current apprentices have to say – after all, with the disturbing decline in experienced tradespeople in our industry, mainly due to retirement, they are our future, and my mission is to ensure the trade has a strong pool of tried-and-tested talent.”
TRAD Group’s TG20-compliant units allow contractors to partially systemise traditional tube and fitting structures.
TRAD UK is well-known for its innovative approach to scaffolding products, which are designed to help scaffolding contractors to work more safely whilst also saving time and money on projects.
This is certainly the case with its prefabricated transom units, which offer both safety improvements over traditional transoms, and time efficiencies in terms of labour needed on site. These transoms, used in conjunction with of traditional tube and fitting, in most instances allow contractors to leave out ledger-to-ledger bracing, allowing unimpeded access at platform level.
TRAD prefabricated transom units come in three types:
TRAD prefabricated TG20 compliant structural transom units (commonly known as Readylok Transoms)
TRAD prefabricated intermediate extending transom units with wedge fittings
TRAD prefabricated intermediate extending transom units
With no specific British or European Standard available for transoms, TRAD has ensured that these products are approved under the NASC TG20 requirements and comply with the NASC Product Code of Practice audit process standards, verified by an independent auditor.
For the intermediate transoms, which are not covered by NASC TG20 requirements, TRAD UK has also engaged a rigorous testing and validation regime, using an independent Test House with all results verified by an independent Chartered Consulting Engineer, giving scaffolding contractors and the end-user confidence in the quality and safety aspects of these critical components.
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Key benefits of TRAD’s transom units include:
Strength –TG20 compliant, the structural transom units are typically stronger and more robust than traditional transoms fixed with couplers.
Speed – the integrated fittings allow for faster and simpler connections, saving time on site.
Compatibility – transoms can be used in conjunction with traditional tube, fittings and boards, giving contractors complete flexibility.
Cost savings – the lack of loose components, coupled with the protective zinc coating make the transoms easy to use and exceptionally cost effective. Investing in these transoms gives contractors flexibility without having to invest in a full system scaffold.
TRAD’s prefabricated transom units are available for sale or hire from its depots around the UK: London, Andover, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.
The makers of HP Sauce have announced it intends to remove the scaffolding from its famous label showing Big Ben covered in scaffolding.
The iconic logo on brown sauce bottles was changed in May 2019 to reflect the ongoing restoration work to the world-famous clock tower.
Now nearly three years on, and as the scaffolding works to the clock tower is nearly complete and dismantled, HP Sauce owners Kraft Heinz have said its logo will no longer show the scaffolding on Big Ben.
Bosses at HP – which accounts for around three-quarters of the brown sauce market in the UK – say the first-ever design change to their bottle will be phased out imminently.
The complex Layher system scaffold surrounding Big Ben was erected in 2017 by PHD Modular Access but is due to be completely removed within the next month.
HP which is short for Houses of Parliament sauce was invented in 1870 by greengrocer Frederick Gibson Garton, before being officially registered in 1896, when MPs started using the condiment in Parliament.
HP Sauce new and old label
A spokesman for the company said: “Following the announcement from the House of Commons that the gantry is to be removed, HP Sauce announces it will remove the scaffolding from its label too.
‘Since May 2019, glass HP Sauce bottles have displayed the Elizabeth Tower covered with scaffolding, to present an honest view of the restoration work that’s been taking place.
‘With the scaffolding set to be removed in late March and April, HP Sauce labels will be restored to their original glory too.
‘The label change in 2019 was the first-ever design change to the famous bottle in 123 years and now there’s only a limited time left to secure a dollop of history.”
Clara Monksfield, of HP Sauce added: “The Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, has adorned our label for over a century, so it was only right for us to update our label back in 2019, reflecting history as it happened to the most-Instagrammed landmark in London!
‘We were delighted to hear the news that the scaffolding will soon be taken down – four years after the structure was first enclosed for the restoration project.
‘As a celebrated sauce tied with these iconic landmarks, we’ll remove the scaffolding from our bottles too and show these fantastic landmarks in all their original glory once more.”
HP Sauce bottles featuring the scaffolding will remain in shops while stocks last.
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TRAD Group has launched a dedicated app to help its workforce access critical services and information and to help make sure communications reach everyone. The app offers employees a range of services to help keep them in constant touch with the business.
“We felt that we needed to bring some innovation to our internal communications,” says TRAD’s Group HR Director, Ros Howe. “Our email communications often didn’t reach our whole workforce and some employees were missing out on crucial information.
The app is designed to make sure that everyone can access news, updates and our wellbeing services instantly wherever they are.”
The app has sections dedicated to health and safety, wellbeing, news and the company’s Personal Engagement Programme. There’s also a space for employee suggestions and for the Group’s charity and CSR focus – this year, it is aiming to raise £22,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust in memory of former TRAD director, John Paterson.
“TRAD is recognised as an innovative company,” says Des Moore, CEO. “This doesn’t just apply to our products, but to the way we run our business, and the new app is a great example of this.
Our culture is all about including our people at every stage and making sure that everyone feels they are ‘at home’ when they work for us. I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact that the app will have across the Group.” 
TRAD Group has launched a dedicated app to help its workforce access critical services and information and to help make sure communications reach everyone. The app offers employees a range of services to help keep them in constant touch with the business.
“We felt that we needed to bring some innovation to our internal communications,” says TRAD’s Group HR Director, Ros Howe. “Our email communications often didn’t reach our whole workforce and some employees were missing out on crucial information.
The app is designed to make sure that everyone can access news, updates and our wellbeing services instantly wherever they are.”
The app has sections dedicated to health and safety, wellbeing, news and the company’s Personal Engagement Programme. There’s also a space for employee suggestions and for the Group’s charity and CSR focus – this year, it is aiming to raise £22,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust in memory of former TRAD director, John Paterson.
“TRAD is recognised as an innovative company,” says Des Moore, CEO. “This doesn’t just apply to our products, but to the way we run our business, and the new app is a great example of this.
Our culture is all about including our people at every stage and making sure that everyone feels they are ‘at home’ when they work for us. I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact that the app will have across the Group.” 
