Current problem  

The construction industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled scaffolders, with the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation, the UK’s leading trade body for scaffolding and access, reporting a shortage of 40,000 skilled workers.  

With construction, infrastructure and industrial projects taking place across the country, demand for qualified workers remains high. The NASC’s Skills Gap Report 2026 showed that 56% of responding firms had at least one vacancy available. It was also reported that around 1,459 directly employed workers across full NASC members could leave through retirement by 2029.  

Fewer experienced professionals are entering the industry and this is increasing the demand for training and developing new talent, which is essential to match the high recruitment demand, looming retirement and normal staff turnover.  

Careers 

Scaffolding is a hands-on career which offers progression and strong earning potential. There are multiple pathways into the career, depending on age, experience and career goals. 

The role of a scaffolder is to design, build, inspect and dismantle scaffolding structures on construction sites. Providing safe and stable working platforms that allow other trades to work at a height effectively. They carry out a variety different work in construction, industrial and infrastructure sectors providing temporary access.  

Further training and experience can open the door to roles including advanced scaffolder, scaffolding designer, site safety inspector and contracts coordinator. 

Routes into industry  

Not everyone follows the same route, there’s multiple pathways to follow. The apprenticeship route offers an entry route into scaffolding, gaining practical experience, paid employment and industry-standard training. Commercial training supports those starting out in scaffolding or already working in the industry, providing the qualifications and skills needed to develop and progress. 

What we offer 

Our All Access Academy is a 750 sq meters scaffolding training centre, offering three dedicated training areas and the ability to accommodate 33 floor-based operatives on four different courses. NETA Training offers a range of CISRS scaffolding courses, such as COTS, Part 1, Part 2, Advanced, Basic and Advanced Inspection and CPD. NETA also offer apprenticeship training and bespoke programmes.