Revealing survey shows a changing UK skills base.
A new report from The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) reveals staggering evidence the average salary of a scaffolder is actually higher than a university-trained architect. In fact, plasterers, bricklayers, plumbers and electricians are all taking home more in a year than teachers, veterinarians, nurses, and accountants. And the highest paid bricklayers in the capital are earning around £90,000 annually, such is the demand for construction skills in the UK. The average salary of a scaffolder is £40,942 according to FMB findings, as opposed to £38,228 for an architect.
The research was carried out among FMB members in the week commencing 29th January 2018. Construction companies across the UK were asked what they pay their skilled trades-people and the results, based on responses from 313 firms, showed average annual salaries were as follows:
- Site managers earn £51,266
- Plumbers earn £48,675
- Supervisors earn £48,407
- Electricians earn £47,265
- Civil engineering operatives earn £44,253
- Steel fixers earn £44,174
- Roofers earn £42,303
- Bricklayers earn £42,034
- Carpenters and joiners earn £41,413
- Plasterers earn £41,045
- Scaffolders earn £40,942
- Floorers earn £39,131
- Plant operatives earn £38,409
- Painters and decorators earn £34,587
Bear in mind general construction operatives earn £32,392, with nurses earning just under 32k, teachers 38k and dentists 40k.
FMB chief executive Brian Berry says: “The average university graduate in England earns £32,000 a year whereas our latest research shows your average bricky or roofer is earning £42,000 a year across the UK. In London, a bricklayer is commanding wages of up to £90,000 a year.”
Pursuing a career in construction is becoming an increasingly savvy move. University students in England will graduate with an average £50,800 of debt, according to The Institute for Fiscal Studies, while apprentices pass the finish line completely debt-free. Not only that, apprentices earn while they learn, taking home around £17,000 a year.
FMB is calling on all parents, teachers and young people, who too-often favour academic education, to give a career in construction serious consideration.
Mr Barry said: “The construction industry is in the midst of an acute skills crisis, and we are in dire need of more young people, including women and ethnic minorities, to join us. Our latest research shows more than two-thirds of construction SMEs are struggling to hire bricklayers, and 63 percent are having problems hiring carpenters.”
The FMB used its findings to urge young people to enter the construction industry through paid apprenticeships, rather than working toward a degree and massive debt. The whole exercise points to the current plight of the industry.
Mr Berry added: “This is a stark reminder of how the Government’s housing targets could be scuppered by a lack of skilled workers. The FMB is committed to working with the Government to improve the quality and quantity of apprenticeships because the only way we will build a sustainable skills base is by training more young people, and to a high standard.”
No doubt this revealing report will be some cause for debate amongst industry employees.
At first glance, the ‘Saddle™’ coupler looks like it’s taken inspiration from a band and plate fitting and the shape of a couple of singles. GKR have confirmed the new fitting has a 9.1 kN capacity equal to an EN74-1-B Double Coupler.
GKR Scaffolding is no stranger to creating new revolutionary scaffold fittings after the success of their Elimin8 tethered fitting back in 2014.
This new product has taken GKR 18 months from concept to the final weeks of testing.
More to follow.. 
The partnership with North East Training Provider AIS and Blackcat JSC Ltd gained CISRS OSTS accreditation in October 2017 with the aim of upskilling and improving the competencies of its own employees, as well as servicing the training requirements of the lucrative Indo-China oil and gas and construction markets.
David John Adams Lead Instructor for AIS training said: “Blackcat has invested a huge amount into the development of scaffolding training and safety in Vietnam and AIS will continue to help them achieve that aim.”
“It’s great to see CISRS OSTS promotes equality and diversity, both AIS and Blackcat are committed to delivering high-quality training to all, within the region and worldwide.”
“The drive and dedication of Mr Ho Kha the Chairman of Blackcat JSC to improve the levels of Scaffolding safety and competence and of his employees are evident from the quality of centre he has established and the training programme he has put in place.”
Mr. Kha added: “Hien is the first female scaffolder in Vietnam, her passion and commitment to the industry is fantastic, she is a highly valued member of the Blackcat team. We will continue to invest in the whole of our workforce for the benefit of our organisation and our client base.” 
“It was very challenging and very different but made a nice change from the office,” she said. “I intend to mix working in the office with site work – and I haven’t ruled out becoming a qualified scaffolder one day.”
“Once Charlie got started, there was no stopping her,” said Mark P Coote, Director of Formark Scaffolding. “We were delighted to support her through the process and look forward to seeing where this new qualification will take her next.” 
