A team of young scaffolders from Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to represent the region at the international competition ScaffChamp in Lithuania next year.
The all-apprentice squad, aged between 16 and 21, will compete at the event in what organisers say is a first for the industry.
I-Scaff Director Ross Brown is spearheading the initiative following discussions about attracting young people to the scaffolding trade at the recent industry event ScaffEx in Manchester.
He is now seeking sponsorship to cover travel costs and equipment for the team.
The ScaffChamp competition, powered by scaffolding system manufacturer Layher, will take place in Lithuania next year.
Mr Brown said the idea emerged from the “Employability in the Scaffolding Industry” panel at the recent ScaffEx event, where youth recruitment was identified as a key challenge.
“We already have some incredible young talent in the industry, and with the right support, even more will join,” he said.
‘Once-in-a-lifetime experience’
The team will be supervised by a qualified team leader but all competitors will be current apprentices, showcasing what Mr Brown describes as the “skill and determination” of young workers in the trade.
“Competing on the global stage will give them a once-in-a-lifetime experience of international competition, camaraderie, and community,” he said.
“We aim to demonstrate that talent, efficiency, and mastery of the Layher system have no age limit.”
The scaffolding industry has faced ongoing challenges in attracting younger workers, with concerns about skills shortages affecting construction projects across the UK.
Mr Brown hopes the high-profile competition will inspire other young people to consider scaffolding as a career while demonstrating the industry’s commitment to supporting apprentices.
Funding sought
The initiative requires funding for travel expenses, personal protective equipment, tools, training, and media coverage.
Mr Brown is approaching potential sponsors across the construction industry, offering them visibility at one of scaffolding’s premier international events.
“This is a unique opportunity to support and promote the next generation of scaffolders while raising visibility for your brand on an international stage,” he said.
The team registration process is currently underway, with training expected to begin early next year ahead of the competition.
Companies interested in sponsoring the team have been invited to contact Mr Brown to discuss partnership arrangements.
Once the parapet and screen plate work is finished, the scaffolding will be removed, making way for a safety deck to be built on the bridge deck. This will allow work to begin on the bridge’s central arch.
Councillor Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for transport and climate, said the progress was welcome: “It’s great to see such fantastic progress being made on the Tyne Bridge, as we restore an icon to its former glory.
With 20 different phases of scaffolding required, this is a complex programme designed to keep the bridge open while the restoration continues.”
Councillor John McElroy, Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, added: “The detailed work completed on the bridge structure is so impressive. When the programme is complete, we will see the bridge looking fantastic, like new.”
Esh Construction, which is delivering the scheme on behalf of Newcastle and Gateshead councils, confirmed more than 2,000 rivets have been replaced and 420 separate repairs carried out during the latest stage.
More than 350 repairs have already been made to the bridge’s under-arch on the Newcastle quayside, with the distinctive Hollybush Green paintwork now being applied.
The £multi-million restoration is being funded by the UK Government, the North East Combined Authority, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.
Overnight closures of the Tyne Bridge will be required later this year to allow the pedestrian tunnel works to go ahead. 
