ScaffMag probes CISRS on the launch of CPD

Daniel Norton
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ScaffMag probes CISRS on the launch of CPD

CISRS speaks out about the new CPD course

The somewhat controversial mandatory CPD course came into force on Saturday July 1st, we caught up with CISRS Scheme Manager, Dave Mosley for a Q&A on the new CPD course. Dave, today sees the 2 day CPD scaffolders refresher course become mandatory when renewing your Scaffolder & Advanced CISRS card. Can you remind our readers of what the CISRS CPD scaffolder refresher course is, and why do we have to have it ?
Dave Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager
Dave Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager
“The idea behind the introduction of Scaffolder CPD/Refresher training is to ensure that all cardholders no matter what sector they work in or what size company they work for have received up to date information on industry best practice prior to renewing their CISRS status for a further 5 years. The concept has been debated within the Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO) for well over a decade. The HSE began to exert more pressure on CISRS around 2014 and from that point CISRS agreed consider its introduction more seriously. CISRS has been in existence for almost 50 years, there are some cardholders who will not have received any formal training for 20+ years. In order to maintain the reputation of the scheme within the wider industry we felt it was time to fall in line with other safety critical sectors and introduce a mandatory refresher element.  e.g. Gas Fitters are required to complete 30 hours of CPD annually.” What’s it going to cost… and why is it not free ? “CISRS do not set the prices of their courses, the market will determine these which means that they may vary from centre to centre. Also some centres have charitable status and as such do not charge VAT. A price range has been established of around £250 – £350. It would be nice if it could be free, but delivering training does cost money facilities, instructors, materials, welfare etc. Other than one off type or promotional events I think there are very few if any formal training courses in any sector that are delivered for free. That said CISRS has worked with a number of training providers who were involved with the development of the CPD course who have agreed to work with CISRS to deliver 6no. fully funded (free) courses, charging CISRS a nominal fee of around a third of what they could get if they sold the courses commercially.” Click here to see the list of training providers and dates for fully funded courses.  “If these prove to be successful which no doubt they will, we will consider working with other providers to offer similar promotional deals either later this year or next year.” Will there be any funding available ? “Yes, all UK Scaffolding Contractors who currently pay CITB levy will be able to apply for CITB short duration training daily attendance grant of £50 per day for employees completing CISRS CPD training. For further information visit their website “CITB are currently running a funding pilot with NASC members which if successful will allow the daily attendance grant figure to be raised to £100 per day for those undertaking CPD once the new CITB funding (2017/18) is made available. National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has ringfenced a funding pot of £50K  to support membership who will be required to meet the CISRS CPD requirement for their Scaffolders and Advanced Scaffolders from 1st July 2017. This will enable them to make 400 payments of £125 to NASC member companies, who support their employees through this process and meet the costs of the CISRS CPD courses.” CISRS CPD What’s going to be included in the course ? “We have tried to include as much as we possibly can that we think will be beneficial as we appreciate that the scaffolders will be losing 2 days’ work time. The course will look to cover the current versions of the most relevant industry guidance, e.g. TG20, SG4, SG6 etc but will also include Risk Assessment and method statements, PPE, trends in accidents, accident reporting, scaffolder responsibility and behaviour, communication, protection of the public. There will also be theoretical and practical sessions included on Scaffold Inspection and Mobile Aluminium Tower Training for Scaffolders, which if completed successfully will then be shown as an endorsement on the rear of the card. If an individual was looking to complete refresher training for Scaffold inspection and Mobile Tower training it would take a minimum of 4 days to complete, whilst we have managed to retain its validity and include within the 2 day programme. A CISRS Health, Safety and Behavioural test will be included within the 2 day programme. A Question bank will be issued to delgates prior to attending the course so they get a chance to revise and will then hopefully be prepared and pass the test whilst attending the centre. This will then negate the need to complete the CITB Health and Safety and Environment test which will save another half day away from the work place. All delegates will be issued with a CISRS 2 Day Scaffolder Refresher/CPD Training Notes folder which will include:
  • CISRS General Information booklet
  • CISRS Practical Scaffolding Module 1
  • CISRS Practical Scaffolding Module 2
  • CISRS Practical Scaffolding Module 3 For Advanced Scaffolder (to follow when Advanced Standardisation process is complete)
Plus guidance notes
  • SG4: You
  • TG20 User Guide
  • SG6 User Guide
  • SG15 Substance Abuse
  • SG19 Rescue Plans
  • SG30 Working From Vehicles
  • SG34 Protection of the public
The Question Bank booklet will have been issued prior to the delegates attending the course. Ever since CISRS announced the plans for the introduction of CPD last year, CISRS received a huge amount of flack online with many scaffolders believing this course is just another revenue stream for training providers. What’s your response to this ? “Well this is a bit of a loaded question what I would say is that the CPD agenda has never been driven by Training Providers, the reasons behind it’s development have been explained earlier. Training Providers had no influence, vote or say as to whether CPD would be introduced into the CISRS scheme. CISRS is a not for profit organisation, we receive no money from training courses delivered and we have no interest nor gain any benefit from courses being delivered in our name that have no value. In the providers defence, I would say that the costs of the CPD courses are comparable with short duration training for other trades. In relation to the core scheme (Pt1, Pt2 Advanced) courses, to set up a fully functioning training centre from scratch would cost around £400K. The courses range from approximately £700 – £900, coming out at  £70 – £90 per day per delegate. There are very few courses that have such a currency within their sector that you could get for that type of money.” Many in the industry have said the 2 day course will result in a considerable cost to the employer or scaffolder in the form of lost wages for the training period and in the case of scaffolders who do not live close to a testing center, there will be additional costs for accommodation and travel costs. Would it of not been better if the CPD could of been delivered by some sort distance e-learning platform which would prove the scaffolders competence ? “We did consider e learning/online testing etc for CPD and it is not something we would totally rule out for CISRS in the future however this also raises issues of its own, such as proving the correct individual is actually carrying out the training. In the development stages consideration was also given to In house training, on-site training etc but again both had issues which can be negated by using the approved providers to deliver standardised courses. As mentioned earlier we have tried to make the CPD courses “the most gain for the least pain” wherever possible. By including the Inspection, Aluminium Tower and Health and Safety test, we are saving at least 2 ½ Days off site training if these elements were completed as standalone courses. As the courses include the practical elements during both the inspection module but in particular the Mobile tower element the scaffolder would have to be physically present to complete the course. We have centres in locations across the UK and although it is inevitable that some people will require accommodation a lot of those attending will be able to travel each day. CISRS is willing if there proves to be issues with capacity or distances travelled to possible consider allowing providers to use other suitable locations to deliver these courses as currently happens with other short duration training. We will monitor this situation and see how it goes. We had previously debated CPD for years without really moving forward. We understand that “a one size fits all“ approach will not be as equally appealing to each individual. As with all CISRS courses the CPD training will be reviewed and revised overtime and the programme for next 5 year cycle beginning in 2022 could vary in content, duration and method of delivery however we did need to draw a line in the sand and put something in place which was relevant, deliverable and manageable from a scheme point of view and we feel that the CPD course fits the bill.”

With thanks to CISRS Scheme Manager, Dave Mosley for taking the time to answer our questions.

P&D Scaffolding Expands its Northwest Operations

Scaffmag Newsdesk
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P&D Scaffolding Expands its Northwest Operations
P&D Scaffolding Limited, then based in Bristol, was bought out of receivership at the start of 2016. By the summer of last year the owners had also acquired Northgrant, one of the South West’s longest established scaffolding firms. Now, following large-scale projects in Wrexham and Blackburn, P&D Scaffolding has moved its operations to the Northwest and has a number of Liverpool jobs in the pipeline. P&D Scaffolding Limited was failing when it was bought by James Proudfoot in January 2016. In just a few short months, Mr Proudfoot turned the company’s fortunes around and welcomed Liverpool based Richard Anderson on board as his business partner. Together, the pair landed a number of high-profile public and private sector clients, including Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Virgin, amongst others. Then, in June 2016, they undertook the purchase of Northgrant Scaffolding, a Bristol company with 30 years of experience and a great reputation. The pair’s most significant client win to date has been construction company Keepmoat Homes. The relationship with Keepmoat has been instrumental in facilitating P&D Scaffolding’s move to the Northwest. P&D Scaffolding is currently working on two Keepmoat sites, one in Wrexham and the other in Blackburn, playing its part in the construction of two nursing homes. To support the Northwest expansion, P&D Scaffolding has now moved its head office to Widnes. Several sites here in Mr Anderson’s home city of Liverpool are in the company’s pipeline. Announcements will follow soon. With over 12 new positions created in Liverpool and hopefully more as projects grow. Business partners James Proudfoot and Richard Anderson now own and operate two thriving scaffolding firms – Northgrant and P&D. The firms are based, respectively, in each of the partner’s home territories of Bristol and Merseyside. Building on Northgrant’s 30 year track record down in the Southwest, their current focus is on establishing the same great reputation for P&D up in the North. By partnering with Keepmoat, a UK market leader in the house building industry, they are off to a flying start. Richard Anderson, co-owner of Northgrant Scaffolding and P&D Scaffolding said: “We are really pleased with how the Northwest move is playing out so far. Down in Bristol our aim is to do great work using a reliable, experienced, local team. We have brought those values north with P&D Scaffolding. I was born and raised in Liverpool and now, as part of our commitment to create jobs in the area, the entire P&D Scaffolding workforce is made up of Liverpool locals. “We are already on site in a few locations around Northwest and will be in a position to announce our next projects very soon. At the moment I am most excited about our imminent move into Liverpool’s booming construction market. The Liverpool economy has been growing for years now and everywhere you look there are fantastic new developments happening. It feels good to be able to play a part in the ongoing regeneration of this special city.’

TRAD Southern uses Plettac Metrix System on iconic Goldfinger Tower

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TRAD Southern uses Plettac Metrix System on iconic Goldfinger Tower
TRAD Southern has been awarded a £1.93 million contract for the restoration of Trellick Tower, which is one of London’s most iconic residential blocks. This scaffold package is the largest Wates Living Space has ever awarded to a single subcontractor. TRAD was chosen because they are one of the foremost scaffolding contractors in the UK who have the coverage, capacity and expertise to complete the works safely, on time and to a very high standard. Scaffolding this landmark 120-metre high building (including the communications mast) requires a unique approach. TRAD’s Design Team and Contracts Staff worked closely with Wates to create a design concept unlike any other, using 21,000m2 of Plettac Metrix System Scaffold (exclusive to the TRAD Group) to create the vast scaffolding structure. For instance, large spans of bridging are to be installed over the low level roofs and balconies, comprising of 1.3m Altrix HD Beams, and with space at a premium, the team will build twin hoist run-off towers to raise the 800 tonnes of materials. The design will also add back propping to the existing underground car park, to allow vehicle access and support the huge weight of the main scaffolding structure. TRAD decided to use Plettac Metrix for Trellick Tower because the revolutionary ring based system enables rapid and safe erection of very complex structures, such as this large Grade II listed building. Indeed, if you want speed, safety and flexibility, Plettac Metrix is strongly recommended for all scaffolding operations, including listed works, refurbishment projects and building inspections. It is a CISRS approved system, and NASC compliant. Trellick Tower, located in Kensal Town, is set for a major external transformation. It was designed by Hungarian Modernist architect Ernö Goldfinger and built in 1972 as part of the Brutalist movement. Wates plan to preserve the historic 31-storey tower, which has appeared in numerous films and music videos, with minimum disruption to residents. The £7.2 million restoration will include replacing windows and restoring balconies on all 217 flats. The concrete will also be reworked, and the entire building cleaned and refurbished. “Plettac Metrix has once again proven to be at its best when challenged to overcome unusual shapes and sizes – and all within the 20-week project timeframe,” says Peter McShane, TRAD Southern’s Divisional Director. Peter also explains, “Plettac Metrix has many advantages over other ring based systems, such as its unique divisibility, which allows bay lengths to be completely divisible by one another. This divisibility means it’s far quicker to erect than other scaffolding systems. The versatility, time saving and excellent safety features, such as unique perforated steel decks with built-in lifting handles, windlocks and anti-tipping devices, as well as the optional Permanent Advanced Guardrail makes this scaffold system second to none.” Plettac Metrix is proven to be significantly faster to erect than all other ring based systems but even more so compared to traditional Tube & Fitting Scaffolding, making it the best choice for cost effective, rapid access solutions. TRAD Southern and MTD Midlands are part of the TRAD Group of Companies. The TRAD Group have a nationwide coverage of system scaffold – they currently hold over 19,000 tonnes in addition to 66,000 tonnes of traditional Tube, Fitting and Boards – ensuring that they have the capability to build many large, complex projects. No other UK scaffolding contractor has TRAD’s capacity and level of equipment. Indeed, TRAD have enough stock to complete over 60 Trellick Towers simultaneously.

Avontus Releases HoloLens App at HAKI Open House

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Avontus Releases HoloLens App at HAKI Open House
Continuing its innovative drive for scaffolding visualization, Avontus Software announced a new app for Microsoft HoloLens at HAKI’s open house last week in Milton Keynes. HAKI’s customers were able to see the new equipment that HAKI is offering in all virtual reality platforms. Viewing scaffolding in HoloLens is what Microsoft and Virtual Reality (VR) experts have coined MR, for Mixed Reality. MR projects a 3D scaffold model onto the view of your surroundings and allows you to interact with it. This model can be rotated, scaled, and placed anywhere, including being viewed 1:1; scaffolding can be shown at actual scale right on the structure it is providing access to. “Even when using traditional 2D and even 3D drawings, a scaffolding company’s customers often don’t understand how scaffolding is supposed to work, let alone what it’s going to look like. MR and VR enhances processes that customers already have in place today,” explains Shaun Whyman, Avontus support specialist. With a mouse click, a Scaffold Designer model is exported to Avontus’ Scaffold VR cloud service. In the Scaffold VR app end-users can log in and fly through these scaffold models on an iPhone, Android, HTC Vive, Google Cardboard, and now Microsoft HoloLens. If design changes are needed, the model can be modified and uploaded in minutes for further review. “Both MR and VR are game changing technologies,” says Andrew Smith, Avontus sales director. “Our customers are reporting that their traditional 10-15% quote wins are turning to 25% and even 30%. These tools are giving them the ability to show their customers exactly what they’re getting without any extra work.” Even for the seasoned VR expert, the choice of devices in the VR space is daunting. Some devices are wireless, some are inexpensive, and new mixed reality devices are hitting the market every month. “We’ve designed the Scaffold VR app to support new devices as they become available,” says Brian Webb, the founder of Avontus. “We’re developing cutting-edge technology by supporting both mixed and virtual reality.” To see HoloLens in action, check out this videos that shows the flexibility of this new technology.
 
For more videos please click here Scaffold Designer, together with Quantify, their scaffold management software, captures the entire scaffolding workflow from estimate to final hire invoice. For more information visit Avontus at www.avontus.co.uk or www.avontus.com.

Generating Scaffolding Success on HMS Queen Elizabeth

Grahame Anderson
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Generating Scaffolding Success on HMS Queen Elizabeth
A top UK scaffolding company has won praise for its 100 per cent delivery of services and materials to Britain’s new aircraft carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Generation, based in the West Midlands was the primary access and scaffolding supplier for the huge project involving the MOD and a number of carefully chosen contractors. The global company provided partners, the Ship Support Services, a joint venture between Pyeroy (WGIS) and Cape Industrial Services, with more than 5,500 tons of scaffolding equipment. Generation made more than 4,000 deliveries including a range of Aluminium products and their Genlok System Scaffold, supplying more than a million pieces of scaffolding and 14.5 million feet of scaffolding tube. This was all possible thanks to their outstanding haulage fleet. Laid end to end it reached 2,718 miles, the same as travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats three times. The sheer scale and complexity of the operation required great discipline and organisation. Generation had the largest supply of European Standard compliant scaffolding hire and sale stock, combined with its UK wide branch and distribution network. This meant the firm could guarantee a constant supply of scaffold to the four main build and assembly yards. Generation - HMS Queen Elizabeth It simply wasn’t possible to construct the ship in one yard, so six modules were built across Glasgow, Appledore in Devon, Hebburn in Tyneside, Birkenhead in Merseyside, and Portsmouth before  everything was assembled and completed at Rosyth in Fife. It is hard to understand the scale of the Super-carrier unless at close quarters. The HMS Queen Elizabeth is longer than the Houses of Parliament and taller than Niagara Falls. Inside the ship, specially designed hand-held navigation devices help crew and workers find their way around. This state of the art cutting edge super-carrier, the UK’s first,  set sale from Rosyth for the start of sea-trials on the 26th June. Because of the efficiency displayed by Generation, partners lost no time through a lack of the correct access and scaffold equipment being available. With a complex supply-chain none of this would have been possible without the full commitment of everyone involved.  A company spokesperson said: “It has been a privilege to be part of the construction of the back bone of our Nation’s naval force for years to come. We wish the crew the best of British as they set sail.” It’s also proof British scaffolding is the best in the world, generating success for the industry here in the UK.

First Female Scaffolder Joins GKR

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First Female Scaffolder Joins GKR
GKR have had the pleasure in announcing that Yvette Freeman has joined the company as a Trainee Scaffolder. Yvette brings an impactful set of capabilities and experience to her role, having worked as a Police Constable for the British Transport Police. London based GKR Scaffolding say her dedication to safety processes, proactive attitude and great communication skills set her apart from other candidates. The recent headlines about how only a handful of women are working as scaffolders caused some industry debate. For a while, GKR have been involved in various industry initiatives to address the skills gap and increase diversity in the industry. It was this that encouraged Yvette to apply to work for the business after having a dialogue with Vicky Welch, who is behind the Facebook community, Females in Scaffolding. Yvette Freeman said: “It means a lot to me that a business has recognised my potential after switching careers, and is willing to invest in my training and development. I’ve been keen to build a career in construction since leaving the Police force and then working as a labourer for a renovations company. I’m really excited about training and working with GKR, and helping break down barriers in the industry.” Yvette will also be working on GKR’s BetterFuture programme, advising and acting as an ambassador for skills and diversity initiatives. Yvette knows how important it is to have female role models within an industry after having a female mentor in the police. “It would be great to walk past a building site in a few years time and see women scaffolders at work. I’d like to think that I played a part in them choosing construction and scaffolding as a career by showing them that women can do it.” GKR’s MD Lee Rowswell added: “What impressed us about Yvette was her attitude and approach, and given that she comes from a different industry she will bring valuable transferrable skills. We hope that our announcement about Yvette will encourage women and anyone wanting a career change to see past perceived barriers to working in this sector. This goes a long way in ensuring we attract the right skills, not just the right gender to our industry. We are genuinely excited about Yvette joining us and helping her shape the career in construction that she aspires to.”

Rotherham Scaffolders Found Guilty of Health And Safety Breach

Grahame Anderson
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Rotherham Scaffolders Found Guilty of Health And Safety Breach
A scaffolding company and director have been heavily fined for breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Sheffield Crown Court passed sentence on Bullet Scaffolding Limited, after hearing how a worker suffered life changing injuries following a fall from height. Shane Percival fell through a fragile roof light, six metres onto a concrete floor receiving severe spinal injuries. The accident in November 2014 left him paralysed from the waist down. Mr Percival was working from the roof, fixing guard rails around the perimeter of the industrial unit at the time. A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed  the company and director failed to adequately plan for working at height, or provide a safe system of work. Bullet Scaffolding were contracted to provide edge protection around the roof of the unit at Aldham House Industrial Estate, Wombwell, Barnsley, so the host company could repair damaged roof lights. The Rotherham based company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and was fined £65,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3600. Tony Jackson of the same address pleaded guilty to breaching and was fined £5000 and ordered to pay costs of £3600. HSE Inspector commenting after the hearing said: “It was foreseeable Mr Percival and others could have fallen off the edge of the roof or through a fragile surface. The accident was entirely preventable by using a mobile elevating work platform or by constructing an independent scaffold thereby avoiding the need to access the roof. “As a result of the accident the lives of Mr Percival and his family have been tragically affected.” The Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement.

CISRS Teams Up With Training Providers To Provide A Series Of Fully Funded CPD Courses

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CISRS Teams Up With Training Providers To Provide A Series Of Fully Funded CPD Courses
CISRS have announced that with the collaboration of four of their approved training providers they are able to offer six fully funded (free) CPD courses across the UK in July and August. The providers involved – LTC Training Services, National Construction College, Safety and Access Ltd and Simian Skill Ltd – have agreed to run these courses at a greatly reduced price, CISRS will be picking up the cost of the training courses, the course literature and renewed CISRS cards for all delegates attending. Dave Mosley CISRS Scheme Manager said: “All of the providers taking part have been heavily involved in the development of the CPD course through their positions on the standardisation committee. We would really like to thank them for all of their hard work and their generous offer to work with CISRS to provide these fully funded courses.” If you include the two CPD Pilot courses which took place at NCC Midlands in February and March 2017, this project will allow for almost 100 operatives to meet the CISRS CPD requirement and be issued with their Mobile Access Towers (MATS), Scaffold Inspection and CPD endorsed cards, free of charge. Had this training been delivered commercially it would have cost in the region of £30 – £35K. CISRS are considering working with other approved providers later in the year in order to offer additional subsidised courses, should the programme prove to be a success. The courses are open to all scaffolders or advanced scaffolders who have a card which expires in 2017. Places will be offered on a first come first served basis and limited to 1 delegate per company in the first instance. Those interested must contact the centers directly to secure their place and must act quickly as the first course takes place 3rd/4th July (see dates and contact details below.)   Monday 3rd/Tuesday 4th July 2017    Simian Skill Ltd Warrington Contact: [email protected] tel: 0345 602 2418 (option 1) [email protected] tel: 0345 602 2418 (option 2)   Monday 17th/Tuesday 18th July 2017 NCC South (Erith, Kent) Contact: Course Bookers [email protected] tel: 0344 994 4433 Monday 24th/Tuesday 25th July 2017 Safety and Access Ltd (Catch, Immingham) Contact: Sarah Cockell [email protected] tel: 0115 979 4523 Camilla Sunderland [email protected] tel: 0115 979 4523 Monday 31st July/Tuesday 1st August 2017 LTC Training Services Ltd (Plymouth) Contact: Carol Holmes [email protected] tel: 01752 485 303 Monday 31st July/Tuesday 1st August 2017 NCC Scotland (Inchinnan) Contact: Course Bookers [email protected] tel: 0344 994 4433 Monday 31st July/Tuesday 1st August 2017 NCC East (Bircham Newton) Contact: Course Bookers [email protected] tel: 0344 994 4433 For further details on CPD or the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), please visit www.cisrs.org.uk or email [email protected].

NASC announce support for its members as CPD approaches

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NASC announce support for its members as CPD approaches
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation have set aside £30,000 to help members needing to meet the CISRS CPD scaffolders requirements by 1st July. This initial funding will enable them to make a payment of £125 to NASC member companies, who support their employees through this process. These monies will help subsidise training costs for 240 operatives in the first instance. A further £20,000 will be ring-fenced for additional CPD funding (160 operatives), should this initiative prove successful. “The Confederation fully supports the introduction of the CISRS CPD requirement prior to card renewal”, said NASC President Alan Lilley of Commercial Scaffolding Ltd in Hull. “We see the benefits it will bring to the scheme, the individual card holder and their employers. We do realise however, as with all training these benefits do not come without costs. As such NASC is looking to reinvest a substantial amount of money into NASC member companies who support their employees through this process, and meet the costs of the CISRS CPD training.” Operatives must hold a current valid CISRS Scaffolder or Advanced card  renewed via the CISRS CPD 2-day course, to be eligible for funding. A link will be provided by NASC enabling members to complete an online application form in order submit a claim. Applications will be verified via the CISRS database prior to funding being released, with payments being made within four to six weeks for those who meet the criteria. Any individual member company will be limited to a maximum of 10 applications initially.   UK Scaffolding Contractors currently paying a CITB levy will be able to apply for a CITB short duration training daily attendance grant. This currently stands at £50 per day for employees completing CISRS CPD training. CITB are currently running a pilot scheme with NASC members which could see the daily attendance grant figure to be raised to £100 per day for those undertaking CPD when the new CITB funding is made available later this year. Again, this will be available to all both NASC and non NASC members CISRS Scheme Manager Dave Mosley said: “It’s great to see the level of financial support NASC is willing to make available to assist their membership a possible figure of £50,000 and I hope I can convince them to consider further funding in 2018.” A number of subsidised CPD courses will be available across the UK over the coming months. Though all will be open to employers, it’s strictly on a first-come-first-served basis. All will be limited to one candidate per company. CISRS with the support of National Construction College, LTC Group 87, Safety and Access Ltd and Simian Skill Ltd, will be running the scheme.

Spitfire Scaffolding Reaching For The Sky

Grahame Anderson
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Spitfire Scaffolding Reaching For The Sky

BoS Family Business of the Year Winner constructing success

Spitfire Scaffolding is flying high as winners of the first BoS Family Business of the Year Award. Putnoe based Nigel, Barry and Stuart Corbett created the company in 2009 after they saw work drying up during the infamous credit crunch. All they had to their name was a single lorry, but just eight years later the business is quickly expanding as other family members join the firm. Orders have soared, enough for them to also look for a new apprentice. “Back when we started we were such a small business, we had just one loading bay for our equipment. “It was an amazing experience, the feeling when we won, it was a total shock and has been great ever since,” said Managing Director Nigel.
Image credit: Bedfordshire News
“Keeping that family vibe has been extremely important to us and even with the new guys starting as scaffolders, we have kept that vibe going. We are just one big family.” The ethos of the brothers is to provide the very best service, but with a relaxing yet efficient vibe. In fact, several yards have been added to their ever increasing portfolio, and there are more opportunities on the horizon. Nigel added: “We’ve had some great end of year results, an extra 30 per cent of trade, taken on new guys and are in the market looking for a new apprentice. Apprenticeships are the way I wanted to get into this industry and to offer a chance for a young person to start off their career is exactly why we started this. We see them right through their journey, we handle all of their training and qualifications, right up to being fully fledged scaffolders.” The Astwood-based business are keen to share their expertise with the younger generation hopefully to create more jobs for people along the way. That has to be good news for both the industry and the local economy.
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