CISRS has announced its approved training facility in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has passed its first annual accreditation audit with flying colours.
The centre, launched by TAFE Arabia (Technical and Further Education) in 2018 and operated with the support of established UK provider Simian Skill, offers a wide portfolio of scaffolding programmes including CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS) Level 1 and 2, Scaffolding Inspection, Scaffolding Supervisor and CPD courses.
OSTS is mapped to and mirrors the CISRS UK scheme, including established guidance notes such as TG20, SG4, SG6 and using the same structural drawings as the UK courses.
Despite CISRS UK qualifications being well established in the region, take-up of CISRS OSTS locally has been slower than anticipated. Surprisingly, some Supervisors and Inspectors currently working in Saudi Arabia are still travelling to the UK to complete courses.
Dave Mosley CISRS Scheme Manager said “TAFE have an excellent facility here in Saudi Arabia the practical training area and classrooms are all finished to a very high standard. The scaffolding materials and PPE etc are all brand new and meet International industry recognised specifications.
“I feel that we need to work more with clients, contractors and training providers locally to ensure that everyone is aware programmes available in Saudi Arabia are delivered under the same strict criteria as the UK scheme. CISRS is here, it’s just a case of getting the message out there.”
Abdulghani Alrumaih, CEO of TAFE Arabia, said: “TAFE has existing relationships with both clients and contractors across the Arabian Peninsula and we are confident that given time OSTS will improve the skills of the sector from scaffolders to Supervisors and become the recognised qualification for the industry in this region.”
Several UK and KSA training providers are watching the situation with interest having already expressed an interest in seeking CISRS OSTS approval.
