Secretary of State for Education Recognises Talent Shortages Within Scaffolding and Access

Yesterday saw the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation welcome its members to the House of Parliament for a Reception focused on making sure that politicians understand the skills needs of the industry.

Members from a diverse range of NASC member companies were joined by MPs and Lords from across the Commons and Lords. They were addressed by Secretary of State for Education and Skills, the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP. She said: “I know that the construction industry has serious skills challenges and I know how important it is to educate people who take an out of date, short term, view about the careers offered by your sector.
I understand that it offers great opportunities here and around the world. We need to make sure that it is showcased in schools so that young people can see what’s available to them. I welcome the work that the NASC and the NFB are doing to highlight how dynamic and rewarding construction can be.”

They heard too from NASC President, David Brown, who spoke about his commitment to ensuring that the Confederation is leading the way in upskilling the industry’s people. He said “If we don’t have the skilled, motivated, people; we won’t have the successful access and scaffolding businesses. Training is the cornerstone of our industry’s success, driving innovation, safety, and excellence in every aspect of our work. Since 2022 NASC has supported through investment over £180,000 in supporting our members through the President’s Training Fund and later this month NASC launches the Talent Solution, linking exciting new candidates to committed quality employers.”

Clive Dickin, NASC, CEO said: “Retaining talent and recruiting talent is the number one challenge facing the scaffolding and access sector in the UK. NASC has today set out on a journey of engagement with parliamentarians to address the macro education and training talent pool and the way the sector, develops a pool of excited and energised candidates to join an amazing sector.”

The Reception, which was held in association with the National Federation of Builders, looked forward to the Confederation’s forthcoming talent acquisition initiative which will ensure that support and access to training and talent is underpinned as the top priority for industry and UK growth.