The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008 | U.K. Edition
Could more apprentices be the answer to the skills shortage?
The construction industry is experiencing a skills shortage and unsurprisingly industry leaders are concerned. The problem isn’t new but it has been exacerbated in recent years by a number of factors. Primarily Brexit and an ageing workforce in the industry. A large proportion of British born construction workers are nearing retirement age (three in 10 British-born construction workers are over 50).
One approach to addressing this shortage is to encourage more people to consider the benefits of an apprenticeship as a route to a long-term career and to encourage employers to plan ahead and recruit apprentices sooner rather than later, so they have skilled trained employees in place when they need them.
The Apprenticeship Levy, which was introduced in April 2017, has gone some way to raise awareness and encourage employers to consider offering apprenticeships. Although apprentice numbers jumped following the introduction of the levy, they did in fact drop by a quarter this year which is frustrating.
The levy aimed to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020 but it looks unlikely that this target will be hit.
It is my belief that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships and to communicate this to employers and young people.
As someone who started out as a labourer in the scaffolding sector and has worked my way up, I see examples every single day of people who have progressed in their careers following an apprenticeship. Apprentices contribute massively to the construction sector and yet this contribution is rarely recognised.
Apprenticeships have always offered a great career path but now more than ever it offers an attractive proposition for young people considering their career options. No university fees, real life work experience, training which leads to recognised qualifications and pay from day one.
If you are an employer in the construction or scaffolding sector and aren’t currently offering apprenticeships then now is the time to reconsider. The benefits are vast and it is one clear step that you can take to begin to futureproof your workforce.
TRAD UK to replace 8,000 tonnes of rival Layher stock with its own Plettac Metrix
8,000 TONNES of Layher Allround will be up for sale after TRAD UK replace its stock with Plettac Metrix.
TRAD Scaffolding, part of TRAD UK, is to commence a phased programme of replacing its stock of Layher Allround with Altrad’s system scaffold, Plettac Metrix. Which the makers say, dramatically cuts the cost of scaffold projects and improves both on-site productivity and safety. Des Moore, TRAD UK CEO and TRAD Scaffolding MD said: “The added efficiencies this will provide will further grow TRAD Scaffolding’s operational capabilities and ensure we can continue to provide cutting-edge scaffolding solutions to our clients. Plettac Metrix has proven itself to be one of the most advanced ring-based system scaffolds and is significantly faster than traditional Tube & Fitting Scaffolding. “TRAD has benefitted from significant investment and subsequent growth since becoming part of the Altrad Group and this continues in the further development of the Plettac Metrix scaffold system – manufactured in Germany by Altrad Plettac – including newly implemented automation to increase capacity to meet demand.” TRAD believe the Plettac Metrix system has many advantages over other ring-based system scaffolds. And being a true modular scaffolding system, Plettac Metrix is suitable for use in all construction, heavy-duty industrial and civil engineering applications and is easily palletised allowing for optimal transportation. TRAD Scaffolding was one of the first companies to recognise the advantages of systemised scaffold some 25 years ago and quickly introduced it into all sectors in which it worked. We now believe that Plettac Metrix takes system scaffold to the next level. If any TRAD Hire & Sales customers are interested in purchasing their Layher stock, please email [email protected] for further details.2019 NASC Scaffolding Awards shortlist revealed
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has announced the finalists for its forthcoming awards ceremony to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, Wales in November.
The eagerly anticipated glitzy black-tie event will showcase the very best scaffolding projects, processes, products and personnel. Its set to take place at the five-star Welsh resort on the 22 November 2019. Judges have whittled down a record-breaking 59 submissions that were received across the seven categories down to just 32 finalists.NASC Awards 2019 Shortlist
Project of the Year (£5m+ Turnover)- Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd
- GKR Scaffolding Ltd
- JDC Scaffolding Ltd
- Palmers Scaffolding Ltd
- TRAD Scaffolding Co. Ltd
- UK Access Solutions Ltd
- Apex Scaffolding (Exeter) Ltd
- E A Scaffolding & Systems Ltd
- CCS Scaffolding Ltd
- Connolly Scaffolding Ltd
- RPF Scaffolding Ltd
- Summit Marine Scaffolding Ltd
- Cape Industrial Services Ltd
- GKR Scaffolding Ltd
- TRAD Scaffolding Co. Ltd
- Turner Access Ltd
- ASC (Edinburgh) Ltd
- Apex Scaffolding (Exeter) Ltd
- CCS Scaffolding Ltd
- RBS Scaffolding Ltd
- Cape Industrial Services Ltd
- Layher Ltd (Flex beam)
- Layher Ltd (SIM)
- Layher Ltd (Steel deck)
- Connect Scaffolding Ltd – Joshua Britton
- Crossway Scaffolding (Elland) Ltd – Jordan Walsh
- High Peak Scaffolding Ltd – Edward Oldridge
- TRAD Scaffolding Co. Ltd – Stephanie Betts
- ASC (Edinburgh) Ltd
- Apex Scaffolding (Exeter) Ltd
- Crossway Scaffolding Ltd
- Star Scaffolding Ltd
Residents ‘disgusted’ after NHS medical records used as kentledge on scaffolding
SEVEN tonnes of partly recycled medical records have been used as kentledge to help weigh down a scaffold in Milton Keynes.
Locals have been left ‘disgusted’ after hundreds of thousands of NHS medical records were meant to be shredded but instead placed on a scaffold at an art festival to help stabilize it. The medical records that include confidential data were only partly destroyed and were still legible, prompting fears of possible identity fraud, reports The Sun. To make matters worse some of the records had come loose from around 40 bales and were strewn around in the street, visible for people to read. Aiden Birch, 36, said: “I could see prescription forms and there were clear names and addresses and details of surgery. It is disgusting. You can see people’s private information.” The freestanding four lift scaffold forms part a sculpture at the annual Festival of Urban Living outside a shopping center in Milton Keynes. A spokesperson from the scaffolding company who erected the structure told ScaffMag: “The paper bales were a part of the art installation and procured by the council. It was nothing to do with us, we also used concrete ballast to weigh down the scaffold. We calculated 24 tonnes of kentledge and deducted about 7 tonnes to allow for the paper bales that were procured and delivered by the council as part of the installation, as well as wooden windows and other recycled materials used to construct the artwork.” Event organisers specified recyclable material should be used to help stabilise the structure from winds. A recycling company in Hertfordshire sent cut and part-shredded paper. The council was “appalled” at the mishap and said: “We immediately covered the bales and arranged for their removal.”New multi-height scaffolders step-up device launched
New improved multi-height scaffolders step-up device goes on sale.
Worcestershire based Lakeside Industries Ltd has created a new scaffolders step-up called the Alto Scaffmate Duo. It has a unique double fold dual height design which enables scaffolders to work at both 0.5m and 1.0m heights with the same product. Manufactured in the UK and weighing only 7kg the all-aluminium, corrosion-resistant and autolocking Duo neatly folds in half to create the dual height functionality. Charlie Wright CEO of Alto Access Products said: “We reviewed the products on the market and concluded that we could make a product that was of better quality and potentially safer than many of them and also make it fold so that we could allow scaffolders to avoid having to purchase and carry two items of equipment. The Scaffmate Duo is the outcome of this process.” The Duo folds flat for easy compact storage and is available direct from the manufacturer Lakeside Industries or from a range of scaffolding stockists. List price £125 plus VAT Specialists in aluminium access products, Alto is renowned around the world for its quality, strength and durability.Rilmac Scaffolding promote three new Directors
James Newton, Roger Woodlock and Tom Walker have all been promoted to Associate Directors at Rilmac Scaffolding’s headquarters in Lincoln.
Both James and Roger started their careers in the scaffolding industry as scaffolders for Rilmac and have progressed through the business to head up the contracting and estimating/design departments at Lincoln. Between them they have 38 years’ service with Roger having 21 years continuous employment. Tom is the third generation of the Walker family to become a Rilmac Director following in the steps of his Grandfather, Roger Walker and his father Paul. Tom has been integral to the improvement of the systems in the Scaffolding division over the last four years and continues to support other Group Companies. Rilmac has a tradition of growing their own when it comes to promotion. As well as James, Roger and Tom four other directors and numerous other managers have worked their way up to senior roles. “It is always a pleasure to promote from within the Rilmac workforce.” said Steve Baxter, “We wish James, Roger and Tom every success in their new positions.” Rilmac Scaffolding is part of the Rilmac Group a nationwide business employing over 280 people with a turnover approaching £19 million.Tender: Ellington Scaffolding Works
- Location of contract: North East
- Value of contract: £73k
- Published date: 25 September 2019
- Closing date: 17 October 2019
- Contract start date: 17 November 2019
- Contract end date: 30 September 2020
- Contract is suitable for SMEs?: Yes
- Contract is suitable for VCSEs?: Yes
Description
Ellington Scaffolding WorksAbout the buyer
Contact Name: Kerry DavidsonAddress
County Hall Morpeth NE61 2EF United KingdomTelephone
+44 7500065685New Universal Brickguard created by scaffolders hits the market
Teesside based JMAC Safety Systems have launched a new Brickguard ‘created by scaffolders, for scaffolders’.
The new brickguard called the Mac Universal Brickguard has been designed, as they say, as a result of frustrations encountered on-site over the years. And the new design will be unrivalled by any other on the market, the firm says. It has been cleverly designed to overcome the rosette on ring system type scaffolding to provide a flush, continuous run along the scaffold. The unique design of the handle provides a robust, durable and secure connection to the handrail, with the ability to be used on the 3 different ledger types between 30mm & 60mm. The brickguard also features two increased length toe board connectors, meaning the design provides high performance on either system scaffold toe boards at 150mm or timber toe boards at 225mm. JMAC Safety Systems also offers the unique opportunity to purchase these products in any colour, with a clients logo and branding; meaning additional promotion for the business and a strong deterrent against theft. The Mac Universal Brickguard has been tested to BSEN12811 – 1 on all major scaffolding systems.
Luis McCarthy, Director at JMAC Safety Systems, said “As a scaffolder myself, I know the frustrations we’re all having in the industry on a daily basis. My aim is to continue bringing a suite of revolutionary, scaffolding & safety products to the market. The Mac Universal Brickguard has a lot of great features which, I believe, make it the best on the market – it’s the only Brickguard to bypass the rosette on ring system scaffold and the handrail piece at the top can be used on any handrail ledger type, circular or rectangular, making it even more appealing.
The scaffolding industry is a very difficult market place and the work we do is labour intensive, therefore there is a constant need for innovative and durable products to be created. This is one of many new products we are bringing to the market throughout 2019/20, watch this space to see what we release next.”
For more information on this or any more of the JMAC Safety Systems product range, visit www.jmacsafetysystems.co.uk CISRS cards set to get a 21st Century revamp
CISRS cards are being brought into the 21st Century thanks to a new partnership between CISRS and NOCN Job Cards.
CISRS has today announced that by the end of the year, those applying for a new card will receive both a plastic card and a virtual card, which they can access via any smartphone or device.
By tapping their card on their phone, cardholders can see all their details; photo, qualifications and courses taken.
CISRS say the App is secure and can be kept on the phone so the individual has proof of their card at all times.
Interestingly, the app will also notify cardholders of renewal notifications to simplify the renewal process. A virtual ‘Card Wallet’ will allow multiple cards to be stored on a single device, allowing contractors to easily collate their operatives’ details and access them as required.
The cost of making an application for a new dual physical/virtual card will be £30, a slight increase on the current card cost but CISRS say it’s still much lower than the industry average.
It is hoped that card application processing times will be shortened and instances of card fraud significantly reduced through the new partnership.
CISRS contracted NOCN Job Cards to provide card scheme administration services following CITB withdrawing from this role as part of its Vision 2020 programme.
All three parties will be working very closely together over the next few months to ensure everything will be in place to roll the new card scheme out before the year-end.
NOCN will work with CISRS training providers to assist them in the new online application process.
David Mosley, CISRS Managing Director, said: “We have been talking about smart technology for several years. With the forced change in service provider it seemed to be the right time to bring the scheme up to date.
“We believe the new cards will add value to operatives, scaffolding contractors and end users.
“We are confident of achieving a smooth transition from CITB to NOCN Job Cards as we have been working closely with these parties over the last year and several of the staff currently working on CISRS administration at CITB are to be transferred to NOCN, so their knowledge and experience will not be lost.”
Mark Buckton, Executive Director for Job Cards & Services at NOCN Job Cards, said: “We are delighted to be working with CISRS to provide the card scheme for the scaffolding sector. The new cards will provide a number of benefits to operatives in terms of the speed and ease in which we will be able to offer them cards.
“It also helps to reduce card fraud in the industry as we will be able to rely on our own data for card applications instead of using paper certificates. We look forward to working with the scaffolding training centres, scaffolding employers and CISRS.”