Short Course Offers a Step up to Success

Three unemployed learners have taken up jobs with NASC full contracting member JMAC Scaffolding Ltd after completing a pilot course offering a step-up into the scaffolding industry.

The eight-day programme, delivered by CISRS approved Training Centre NETA Training, saw eight people take part, vying for one of three full-time jobs with JMAC upon completion.

Liam Bates, 29, Dean Bishop, 31, and Dylan Frost, 21, have now started work in the scaffolding yard as trainee scaffolders.

NETA’s Managing Director Phil Blewitt said: “We are proud to have supported these learners with the help of JMAC Scaffolding and Tees Valley Combined Authority in gaining valuable skills and industry recognised qualifications to help them build their careers. To have three students go straight into employment is a positive outcome and we aim to build on this success.”

The bespoke Access to Scaffolding programme offered the chance to pick up a selection of industry qualifications and skills including the CCNSG National Safety Passport, Scaffolding COTS, Scaffolding Appreciation, Scaffolding Mobile Towers, Confined Space (Entry, Awareness and Escape), Mental Health First Aid and Emergency First Aid at Work.

Liam Bates, from Stockton, signed up to the course after being made redundant due to the impact of Covid 19. It was a friend who suggested he try scaffolding.

He said: “I had never considered it before, but I have worked in heavy industry, so it appealed to me. I never expected to get a job out of it, especially in these times.”

Dean Bishop from Middlesbrough said: “The job centre put me forward for the course. I have a lot of friends who work in scaffolding. This is something I should have done years ago, but better late than never!”

Dylan Frost, also from Middlesbrough, said: “I didn’t know about the interviews until I started the course but even then, I didn’t think I would be chosen. I have never had luck like that.”

Luis McCarthy, Managing Director of JMAC, said: “To be able to take on staff in the middle of a pandemic is fantastic both for us as a company and for the wider area. Hopefully, these are roles that will progress with the opportunity to become fully trained scaffolders.

“With the support of the Tees Valley Combined Authority and programmes like the government’s Kickstart scheme we hope there may be further opportunities.”

Dave Mosley, NASC Director of Training and CISRS Managing Director, said: “We fully support NETA in this initiative. Recruitment of new blood into the industry is a major driver for the NASC and we are looking to connect jobseekers with NASC members in the region who can offer career opportunities.”