A leading scaffolding training firm has announced the introduction of a Layher scaffolding apprenticeship scheme.
SIMIAN the UK’s largest privately-owned scaffolding training provider has launched the new apprenticeship scheme following the increased exponential UK growth of the use of the Layher Allround system.
The Layher Allround system is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier modular scaffolding systems. Over the last few years, many UK firms have adopted the system converting from the traditional tube and fitting scaffolding.
Fully supported by Layher UK, SIMIAN say it’s apprenticeship scheme will start in early 2021 with candidates progressing to become qualified Layher Scaffolders in the early part of 2023.
In addition to the benefit of gaining a more skilled workforce, employers taking on a Layher apprentice could also benefit to the tune of as much as £2k per apprentice if signed up by 31 January 2021, as per the Government’s current apprentice employer’s incentive.
There is no upper age limit for apprentices, but employers of those aged over 25 will receive £1.5k per apprentice.
To launch the initiative, SIMIAN is hosting 2 apprentice assessment days, one in the North, at it’s Warrington Centre and one in the South, at their Waltham Forest centre.
- Warrington – 30 November 2020
- Waltham Forest – 03 December 2020
The assessment days will be used to provide information on how the scheme works on what the various parties can expect from one another, and to assess the suitability of candidates to enter the apprenticeship programme and will include an assessment of their ability in English and Maths
Speaking of the initiative, Simon Hughes, MD at Simian said: “We’re really pleased that our proposed Layher apprenticeship programme is starting to gain traction and it’s another very exciting addition to the scaffolding training courses that we deliver.
In terms of Layher, there will now be three routes to becoming qualified, and the apprenticeship programme will add to the existing traditional part one and two routes and the System Scaffold Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) route.
It’s vital that we get the support of Layher users for this initiative, so I’d like to personally ask Layher-using employers and would-be apprentices to consider this route. We’re very hopeful that the Government apprentice incentive scheme grant of up to *£2k per employee, in addition to any other grants that are payable, will encourage sign ups. This means that in addition to the financial benefit, employers will also receive the benefit of an upskilled workforce.”
New Sunshine Enterprises Group Europe Managing Director, Knud Højland Pedersen said: “This deal is fantastic news for the UK scaffolding sector – allowing existing StepUp Scaffolding UK (Ltd) and new British and European customers to slickly and efficiently benefit from the safety and productivity-boosting gains of the fantastic OCTO® System Scaffolding, at a time where safety and speed in scaffolding has never been more critical.
Having the scale, speed and quality of a brand like Sunshine Enterprises behind the StepUp UK business is going to put OCTO® System Scaffolding on the map here in the UK and beyond.”
Turner Access new Managing Director, Simon Russell said: “This is great news for Turner Access as a brand and our Scottish and UK-wide construction customer base. The shift of emphasis here from production of scaffolding to contract activity and the huge investment and growth this deal will help to support will help us in our vision to be the leading scaffold contractor in Scotland, offering clients a first class scaffolding service in accordance with our #WorkSafeHomeSafe culture – ideally suited to the current situation.”
StepUp Scaffolding UK (Ltd) are now taking orders for the entire OCTO® System Scaffolding product range and Turner Access are available to quote for contract scaffolding. 
