The scaffolding industry needs another 40,000 recruits, construction activity falls and a 51-year-old bricklaying apprentice gets started
The UK scaffolding industry needs another 40,000 recruits to keep up with demand — that’s according to a NASC report.
The research found there are over 1,700 job openings across NASC member organisations, with firms having an average of 4.4 vacancies each.
Over 80% of firms also predicted that recruitment demand will increase this year.
With nearly 10% of the current workforce expected to retire by 2030.
NASC CEO, Clive Dickin, warned that short term flexibility with migration policy was necessary to allow overseas scaffolders to enter the UK and bridge the skills gap.
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Construction buyers reported a downturn in activity last month, stalling optimism about an industry recovery.
The Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index slid by two points, as the rate of decline in residential building accelerated.
But the business outlook for the rest of the year remained positive, with 42% of the survey panel forecasting a rise in output.
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Scotland’s oldest construction apprentice is proving that you’re never too old to follow your dreams.
51-year-old Robert Wilson spent the last 15 years working as a labourer for Persimmon Homes before starting his bricklaying apprenticeship.
Wilson now balances his home life with studies, and practical on-site training.
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