CITB Publishes Five-Year Workforce Outlook to Tackle Construction Skills Demand

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
CITB Publishes Five-Year Workforce Outlook to Tackle Construction Skills Demand

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has released a major new forecast highlighting the scale of workforce needs facing the UK construction sector over the next five years.

Published yesterday, the Construction Workforce Outlook 2025–29 offers a detailed view of the jobs, skills and training required to meet future demand across the industry. It replaces the former Construction Skills Network report, reflecting a broader and more strategic understanding of long-term workforce challenges.

According to CITB, sustained investment in training and recruitment is essential if the sector is to deliver on major national priorities, including housing, infrastructure, energy, and net-zero targets.

The report, which uses both historical and forward-looking data, remains the only forecast of its kind tailored specifically to the UK construction workforce. It identifies the number of additional workers needed, where gaps may emerge, and what training provision is required to address them.

A new online interactive tool accompanies the report, allowing users to explore projections by region, trade and sector in greater detail.

Tim Balcon, Chief Executive of CITB, said the Outlook underpins the organisation’s strategic approach:

“Construction offers huge opportunity, but realising it requires long-term thinking and action. We need industry, government, training providers and CITB to work together to bring new talent in and upskill the current workforce. This report is a key part of making that happen.”

CITB has been producing workforce forecasts since 2006. The latest edition plays a central role in informing its own business and investment plans, aimed at supporting employers and training providers to meet demand on the ground.

The full Construction Workforce Outlook 2025–29 is available to download via the CITB website.

German Engineering Aids Landmark Bridge Renovation in Slovenia

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
German Engineering Aids Landmark Bridge Renovation in Slovenia

Two major highway bridges near Maribor, Slovenia, are undergoing extensive renovation, with cutting-edge German technology playing a vital role in the project’s success.

The Skedenj-I and Skedenj-II bridges, stretching a combined 930 metres, are being refurbished with the support of elevator systems provided by Bavarian manufacturer GEDA GmbH.

The works, expected to take around six months, represent one of Slovenia’s largest infrastructure renovation projects. Skedenj-I spans 530 metres and rises up to 30 metres, while Skedenj-II is 400 metres long with a height of 50 metres. Both bridges are using a combination of full pylon scaffolding and suspended scaffolds beneath the deck.

To meet the logistical challenges, GEDA has supplied two elevator systems to support material transport and worker mobility. The GEDA 300 Z handles heavy lifting, capable of moving materials up to 300 kilograms at speeds of 30 metres per minute, with a lifting range of up to 100 metres.

Alongside it, the GEDA 500 Z/ZP offers flexible transport for both people and materials. In passenger mode, it carries up to five individuals, while in material mode, it can lift loads up to 500 kilograms. Its safety features include GEDA’s own landing level gates, designed specifically for scaffold-based worksites.

Jernej Gornjak, Technical Director at HEGOMONT d.o.o., the Slovenian construction partner on the project, praised the collaboration:

“This is the largest renovation of viaducts—highway bridges—in the history of Slovenia. We could never have successfully completed such a massive project under such demanding conditions without the help of GEDA elevators.”

He added that the use of the hoists has allowed them to build hanging scaffolds at an impressive pace of over 12 metres per day across the entire underside of the bridge.

The project is also a milestone for HEGOMONT, marking the largest in the company’s history both in terms of complexity and financial scale. Their long-standing partnership with GEDA, now spanning over 25 years, has proven vital.

Founded in Germany over 90 years ago, GEDA is known for its reliable construction and industrial elevator systems, now in use across more than 80 countries.

Industry Unites Behind New Fall Protection Standard

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
Industry Unites Behind New Fall Protection Standard

The UK’s fall protection sector has joined forces in a landmark move to support the rollout of BS8681:2024 – a new national standard aimed at improving safety for those working at height.

The standard, officially launched earlier this year, introduces a rigorous set of requirements for the design, installation, and inspection of personal fall protection systems. Developed in consultation with industry experts, BS8681:2024 sets out clear protocols across three key areas: equipment selection and installation, competency and training requirements, and inspection and maintenance.

Alan Murray, Chief Executive of the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), said the rollout marks more than just a technical update.

“It’s a collective commitment to safer work environments. By working together, the industry is accelerating adoption and ensuring that organisations are fully equipped to meet the new requirements.”

Industry collaboration drives momentum

A wide range of organisations from across the sector, including manufacturers, training providers, and awarding bodies, are supporting the transition to BS 8681:2024.

Training firm 8point8 has established a dedicated facility in Doncaster, where learners are trained using real-world systems and tools supplied by companies including Kee Safety, Hydrajaws, and SFS.

Hydrajaws has provided equipment and staff training on the latest testing and data collection methods, while Smart Awards has launched updated NVQ and apprenticeship qualifications to reflect the new standard.

Jonathan Seymour of SFS, which donated training materials and fall protection systems, said: “Giving apprentices hands-on experience is vital. They need to understand how to meet compliance requirements in real working environments.”

Raising the bar through qualifications

As the rollout continues, companies are investing heavily in training and upskilling. Learners are now progressing through the Level 3 NVQ in Access and Rigging – Fall Protection and the new Level 3 Fall Protection Technician apprenticeship.

Kee Safety has enrolled staff into the apprenticeship programme from the outset.

“We recognised the importance of training our technicians and inspectors early,” said Graham Willmott. “We’re now seeing individuals complete their training and move into final assessments.”

David Ravensdale of 8point8 Training added: “These qualifications are not only raising industry standards but equipping professionals with the skills to manage complex fall protection systems safely and effectively.”

With BS8681:2024 now in effect, the UK’s fall protection industry is not only complying with a new benchmark but actively working together to ensure a safer future for those working at height.

Find out more: https://www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org/bs86812024-elevating-fall-protection-standards-and-industry-collaboration/

Record-Low Accident Rates Mark 50 Years of Safety Reporting, Says NASC

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
Record-Low Accident Rates Mark 50 Years of Safety Reporting, Says NASC

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has released its 2025 Safety Report, revealing the lowest accident rates recorded in the organisation’s 50-year history of data collection.

Despite a significant rise in membership and workforce numbers, accidents across NASC contractor members fell sharply last year — a development hailed by the organisation as a major milestone in scaffolding safety.

According to the report, the Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) for 2024 dropped to just 0.20, while the Accident Incident Rate (AIR) stood at 3.75, both the lowest ever recorded by NASC since it began mandatory reporting in 1975.

Membership also grew by 22% in 2024, with 54 new contractors and an additional 2,775 operatives joining the trade body.

Wayne Connolly, NASC President and Chair of CISRS, described the achievement as “outstanding.”

“This year is one of significant milestones,” he said. “While NASC is proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary, we should also recognise that it is 50 years since we made it compulsory for all contractor members to report RIDDOR accidents on an annual basis. Last year, despite a major increase in the total number of NASC operatives, we saw a decline in the number of reported accidents.”

Mark Collinson, NASC’s Head of Technical, launched the Safety Report at the first NASC Safety Day, hosted by SpanSet yesterday

Chief Executive Clive Dickin praised members for their “safety-first culture.”

“These results aren’t just statistics; they’re proof that high standards and collaboration can save lives,” he said. “But there can be no complacency when it comes to the safety of individuals working at height.”

The report shows that all full contracting members submitted RIDDOR data, underlining what NASC says is a strong culture of transparency and accountability in the sector.

However, the report also acknowledges a tragic incident, the death of an experienced advanced scaffolding inspector. The scaffold had been inspected and handed over prior to the fall, and no witnesses were present. The case remains under investigation.

Digital Tools and Mental Health

The NASC credits its improved safety record partly to wider adoption of technology, including digital tools like TG20 and TG30, which help standardise safe design and site practices.

The confederation has also invested in pocket-sized user guides, safety bulletins, mental health resources, and technical advice lines — all aimed at helping members meet high standards and address both physical and psychological health risks on site.

Members are regularly audited to ensure compliance with current legislation and NASC best practices.

The full report is available online at: nasc.org.uk/information/safety-reports

Doka Deploys AI to Track Construction Materials

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
Doka Deploys AI to Track Construction Materials

Doka, a global leader in formwork and scaffolding solutions, has implemented an AI-driven system to automate the tracking of returned rental materials across its yards.

The tool, AI Counting & Identification, reduces manual labour and improves inventory accuracy, addressing a longstanding industry challenge.

How It Works

Previously, returned materials, such as beams, props, and scaffolding components, were counted and logged manually—a time-consuming process prone to errors.

Now, workers photograph items using a mobile device, and the AI identifies the product, suggests a count, and records the data with a 98% accuracy rate. Over 10,000 users have processed more than one million items since the rollout.

The system, developed with Microsoft’s support, is tailored to construction environments, recognising worn or dirty equipment more effectively than generic apps or RFID alternatives.

CEO Robert Hauser said the system speeds up operations and improves inventory transparency, helping build trust with clients.

While currently limited to Doka’s yards, pilot feedback from bauma 2025 suggests potential for on-site use, particularly for large projects. The company is also testing Statistical Return Planning, an AI tool that predicts material returns to optimise stock levels.

Broader Digital Shift

The AI rollout aligns with Doka’s upcoming Doka 360 platform, which integrates sensor data from formwork and concrete to provide real-time project insights. The platform launches in July 2025, initially for partners in Germany and the U.S.

Doka’s move reflects the construction sector’s gradual adoption of AI to mitigate labour-intensive tasks through scalability and on-site adaptability, which remain hurdles industry-wide.

ITP Appoints International Sales Manager to Drive Global Growth

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
ITP Appoints International Sales Manager to Drive Global Growth

Industrial Textiles and Plastics (ITP), a Yorkshire-based manufacturer of protective textiles for the construction industry, has announced the appointment of Will Reasbeck as International Sales Manager to support its growing export business.

With nearly a decade of experience managing exports for manufacturers in the construction and infrastructure sectors, Mr Reasbeck brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven track record of success across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.

In his new role, he will help expand ITP’s presence in global markets, promoting a wide range of products, including scaffold sheeting, temporary fencing, acoustic barriers, debris netting, protective membranes, and ground gas barriers.

Carl Morse, Managing Director of ITP, said: “We’re delighted to have Will on board to build on the success of our long-standing export operation. He has enjoyed considerable success with overseas sales involving major projects. Those credentials are ideally suited to ITP’s international business – over the years, we have supplied various large-scale construction and infrastructure projects across the globe, including major airports, industrial facilities, and world-class stadiums.”

Mr Reasbeck said he was looking forward to contributing to the company’s growth, particularly in markets that are increasingly adopting stringent safety standards.

“ITP has become a recognised innovator in flame-retardant textile technology and a strong advocate for fire safety in construction,” he said. “That foundation provides an excellent platform for further international expansion.”

Operating from its facility in Easingwold, North Yorkshire, ITP manufactures and prints a wide range of specialist materials for both temporary and permanent site protection. The company’s product range includes hundreds of options tailored to varying project needs across the global construction industry.

RNDV Industries Crowned ScaffChamp 2025 Champions

Daniel Norton
-
0
RNDV Industries Crowned ScaffChamp 2025 Champions

RNDV Industries from Lithuania have been named the winners of ScaffChamp 2025 following a flawless performance in front of a home crowd in Vilnius.

Competing in Round One, the Lithuanian team were among the first to complete the challenging scaffold structure. While referees issued a couple of warnings during the inspection, no official penalties were applied.

Their clean execution and fast, safe dismantling helped secure the top spot. “We’re proud to win it at home and even more proud of the standard we showed today,” a team member from RNDV told ScaffMag.

The team also collected the Health & Safety Award, recognising their methodical and disciplined approach throughout the build, earning them double honours at this year’s event.

A global contest of precision and pace

Held on Saturday, 7 June, in Vilnius, ScaffChamp 2025 brought together 20 teams from around the world to participate in one of the industry’s most demanding and respected competitions.

The event was powered by Layher’s world-renowned Allround Scaffolding System and co-organised by Layher Baltic and the Baltic Scaffolding Association with support from Layher Germany.

This year’s contest followed a two-round format, with 10 teams competing in each round. Every team was timed during the erection phase before referees scrutinised the scaffolding structure and applied any necessary penalties.

The global event drew a strong audience, with over 600 tickets sold and more than 10,000 viewers tuning in to the live stream from around the globe.

First woman competes at ScaffChamp

The 2025 edition also marked a historic moment for the competition. FTF Servicios, representing Chile, included the first woman to ever compete at ScaffChamp.

Her participation was widely welcomed and celebrated by fellow competitors and attendees. “It’s inspiring to see more diversity at ScaffChamp. This is a proud moment not just for Chile, but for the industry as a whole,” one spectator told ScaffMag.

A demanding structure

This year’s competition structure was unveiled to the teams for the first time during Friday’s technical briefing and was designed jointly by Layher Baltic and Layher Germany, digitally modelled with ScaffPlan. The brief was to push boundaries and force teams to rethink their habits.

Martin Doelker

“We wanted to surprise the teams,” said Martin Doelker from Layher Germany. “The lead designer from Layher Baltic and I had almost the same idea right away, it came together quickly. From the start, we knew we wanted a mix of parts that would challenge expectations.”

The build featured a technically demanding combination of components, including the Twix Beam, FW System, TG60 Shoring, and a staircase configuration.

The design challenged teams to work with mixed elements and required precision planning, team synchronisation, and technical accuracy throughout.

ScaffChamp 2025 final results

  1. RNDV Industries (Lithuania) – 1:37:24
  2. N-Projects (Poland) – 1:41:38
  3. Stabil Épít? (Hungary) – 1:48:37
  4. Team Türkiye (Türkiye) – 1:49:27
  5. NBIK (Team Mongolia) (Mongolia) – 1:50:12
  6. Kukla Scaffolding (Slovakia) – 1:51:04
  7. Globalita (Lithuania) – 1:57:30
  8. Hotrema (Lithuania) – 2:01:31
  9. Cumiskey Scaffolding (Ireland) – 2:01:34
  10. Consolvo AS (Norway) – 2:02:13
  11. PDV Inženjering (Serbia) – 2:02:56
  12. AK Scaffolding (United Kingdom) – 2:03:24
  13. Kaefer Sweden (Sweden) – 2:03:54
  14. Trekker Group (United States) – 2:10:54
  15. Tisch (Germany) – 2:18:38
  16. Teknopont SRL (Italy) – 2:27:08
  17. Echafaudage Service (France) – 2:34:54
  18. AlpAccess (Romania) – 2:51:48
  19. Bilfinger (Germany) – 3:38:00
  20. FTF Servicios (Chile) – 3:56:00

Closing celebrations

The day ended with a podium ceremony and an official afterparty, as teams and organisers celebrated another successful year of competition.

“ScaffChamp is more than a contest; it’s a global platform for excellence, skill, and unity in system scaffolding,” said one event official.

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

Daniel Norton
-
0
ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun, with participants from 18 countries arriving in Vilnius for the start of the two-day event.

Friday marked the opening of the competition, with a schedule focused on registration, introductions, and team briefings ahead of the main contest on Saturday.

Held annually, ScaffChamp brings together elite scaffolding teams from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas to compete in speed, safety, and technical precision. The 2025 edition is once again hosted in Vilnius, Lithuania. 

Warm welcome

The day began with team registration and an official welcome from event organisers. Attendees were introduced to the competition format and given a first look at the structure they will be assembling during the contest.

Representatives from countries including Germany, Ireland, Chile, Mongolia, and the UK were present, with several teams returning from previous years.

Contests and briefings

Following the opening ceremony, teams and guests took part in a series of informal activities and scaffold-themed challenges. The afternoon included a technical briefing where participants were walked through the judging criteria, safety protocols, and task requirements.

A team presentation and draw later confirmed the running order for Saturday’s main event.

There was a strong sense of anticipation among competitors throughout the day. Several teams expressed confidence in their preparations and praised the professionalism of the event setup.

The UK’s AK Scaffolding were among those sounding confident ahead of tomorrow’s challenge.

“We haven’t come here just to take part — we’re here to win,” one team member told ScaffMag.

The team drew attention for their focused attitude and sharp engagement during the briefings. 

Meanwhile, Team USA (Trekker Group) also arrived with determination and momentum. The team told ScaffMag they had been training intensively in the weeks leading up to the event, including full builds in over 100°F heat in Florida.

“We’ve put in the hours. Conditions back home were brutal — but we’re ready,” said one of their team leaders. Many on the ground have already tipped the USA as one to watch.

Structure revealed by ScaffPlan

A highlight of the afternoon was the big reveal of the competition structure, designed by ScaffPlan, the event’s official design technology partner.

This year’s structure has been described by organisers as one of the most challenging yet, demanding precise teamwork and time efficiency. The model was unveiled during the technical briefing, with each team given digital and printed schematics to review.

Ben Beaumont, Director at ScaffPlan, was on hand to answer questions and walk participants through key design details, safety requirements, and judging focus points.

“It’s a complex structure that will push the best teams to demonstrate their full range of skill,” said one of the referees.

Team Order – ScaffChamp 2025

Round 1:

  • AlpAccess – Romania

  • Consolvo AS – Norway

  • RNDV Industries – Lithuania

  • Bilfinger – Germany

  • PDV Inženjering – Serbia

  • Hotrema – Lithuania

  • Tisch – Germany

  • FTF Servicios – Chile

  • Echafaudage Service – France

  • Stabil Épít? – Hungary

Round 2:

  • Globalita – Lithuania

  • Kaefer Sweden – Sweden

  • Teknopont SRL – Italy

  • Trekker Group – United States

  • Team Mongolia (NBIK) – Mongolia

  • Kukla Scaffolding – Slovakia

  • N-Projects – Poland

  • AK Scaffolding – United Kingdom

  • Cumiskey Scaffolding – Ireland

  • Team Türkiye – Turkey

Looking ahead

The full competition begins at 11:40 EET tomorrow (Saturday, 7 June) and will be livestreamed globally.

ScaffMag will continue to provide live coverage from Vilnius, including real-time updates, results, and behind-the-scenes content via its dedicated live blog.

ScaffChamp Buildup: How to Watch the Action Live Around the World

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
ScaffChamp Buildup: How to Watch the Action Live Around the World
ScaffChamp 2025, powered by Layher, is almost here, and fans across the globe can tune in live on Saturday, 7 June. ScaffMag will not only be hosting the livestream on our homepage, but we’ll also be reporting live from the event, bringing you behind-the-scenes coverage, interviews, and key moments as they happen. The broadcast kicks off at 11:40 EET (Vilnius time), giving viewers front-row access to one of the most exciting and competitive events in the scaffolding industry. Wherever you are, here’s when to watch:
  • Los Angeles – 01:40
  • New York – 04:40
  • Dallas – 04:40
  • Lima – 03:30
  • Santiago – 04:40
  • São Paulo – 05:40
  • London / Dublin – 09:40
  • Warsaw / Berlin / Paris / Madrid / Rome – 10:40
  • Oslo / Stockholm / Copenhagen – 10:40
  • Istanbul / Athens / Bucharest – 11:40
  • Vilnius / Riga / Tallinn / Helsinki – 11:40
  • Cape Town – 11:40
  • Dubai – 12:40
  • Ulaanbaatar – 16:40
  • Tokyo – 17:40
  • Sydney – 18:40
Watch it live on ScaffMag.com or via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8gLNolBDME Stay tuned to ScaffMag for exclusive coverage from the ground, bringing you all the action, insight, and standout moments from ScaffChamp 2025.

CISRS Scaffolding Training Returns to Yorkshire with New Wakefield Centre

Scaffmag Newsdesk
-
0
CISRS Scaffolding Training Returns to Yorkshire with New Wakefield Centre
After years without a dedicated local provider, Yorkshire has regained full access to CISRS-certified scaffolding training thanks to a new facility opened by Aecor International Training in Wakefield. The centre marks Aecor’s first major move into the UK training market after operating scaffold training programmes in the Middle East and Asia. Already an established international provider, Aecor’s new Wakefield site now delivers the full suite of Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) courses – from the one-day COTS (Operative Training Scheme) to advanced Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications. The opening has been welcomed by industry leaders and the local scaffolding sector as a much-needed boost for workforce development across the North of England. Trevor Donohue, CISRS Auditor, said: “I am delighted to confirm that a new scaffold training centre has received CISRS accreditation in Wakefield, Yorkshire. The Aecor International Training Centre provides excellent training facilities for a wide range of CISRS-approved training courses, which cater for Tube and Fitting Scaffold and System Scaffolding courses. The centre provides a great addition to the CISRS scheme, and its location will become a significant asset to the Yorkshire scaffolding sector and the wider construction industry throughout the North of England.” Aecor’s team of instructors bring over 30 years of experience to their teaching. The courses not only cover the technical aspects of scaffolding but also focus on current health and safety regulations and compliance, aligning with the latest industry best practices. Successful trainees will be eligible for the appropriate CISRS cards – essential for working on UK construction sites. The Wakefield Centre now serves as a regional hub for scaffolders seeking certification without the need to travel further afield. The return of accredited CISRS courses to the area has been seen as a positive step forward in meeting industry demand and improving access to training. Aecor International already operates training facilities in Nepal, the UAE, and Qatar. The move into the UK market, the company says, reflects its ongoing mission to support scaffolding excellence and raise standards globally. More details and upcoming course dates can be found at: www.aecorintl.co.uk
1234...319Page 3 of 319