The Construction Industry Training Board is targeting workers from Scotland’s offshore energy sector as part of efforts to widen the construction talent pool and support scaffolding skills.
CITB said many offshore workers already have experience that can transfer well into scaffolding, including strong safety awareness, working at height, inspection processes and disciplined site practices.
The move comes as employers continue to report recruitment challenges across construction in Scotland.
To support the transition, CITB is offering a £200 discount on the CISRS Scaffolding Part 1: Tube and Fitting Scaffold course at the National Construction College Scotland in Inchinnan. The course is currently listed at £1,295 after the discount, with NCC also stating that it does not charge VAT.
The training forms part of CITB’s wider scaffolding and access course offer, which includes routes towards CISRS cards, inspection training and supervisory courses.
Robert Stephenson, access instructor at CITB, said scaffolding was a trade where transferable skills could be applied effectively.
“Scaffolding is a trade where transferable skills can be effectively applied, offering structured routes into long-term employment and progression within construction,” he said.
“We regularly work with learners who bring valuable skills from other industries, including offshore and energy. Our role is to help support people and employers to give them the skills they need to build a competent and resilient workforce.”
He added that CITB’s priority was to ensure training reflected real site requirements and gave people the skills employers need now and in the future.
“Whether someone is new to construction or transitioning from another sector, scaffolding offers a clear, structured route with strong standards and progression,” he said.
CITB said funding for scaffolding training will remain available across all NCC sites during the 2026/27 financial year, alongside ongoing grant support for employers.
The board’s short course grant list includes £500 for several scaffolding courses, including Scaffolding Part 1: Tube and Fitting, Scaffolding Part 2 and Advanced Scaffolder training.
CITB’s National Construction College recently received an “expected standard” rating across all key judgement areas in its latest Ofsted inspection, which CITB described as a strong result under Ofsted’s more rigorous inspection framework.
The push comes as the scaffolding sector continues to look for new entrants with the right attitude to safety, training and site discipline.
