Building Future Talent: How CCS Scaffolding Connected with the Next Generation
| Company name | CCS Scaffolding |
| Submitted by | Leon Watson |
| Title/Role | Operations Director |
| About the company | CCS Scaffolding Ltd is a reputable scaffolding contractor based in Northfleet, Kent, serving clients across the United Kingdom. Established in 2011 by Gary Coote, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering comprehensive scaffolding solutions across various sectors, including commercial, civil engineering, rail, and infrastructure projects. |
About the Event:
| Event Title | Careers fair Hayes College |
| Event Host | Align JV |
| Date of Event | 29/05/2025 |
| Audience Attending | College Students |
Finer details:
Why did you attend?
We attended to showcase scaffolding as a dynamic and rewarding career path and to promote apprenticeship opportunities within our company and the wider industry. Our goal was to engage the next generation and highlight the long-term career potential available in scaffolding—especially to those who may not have previously considered it.
What did you take to the event?
We brought along the NASC Talent Pack along with a range of branded marketing materials, including banners, promotional memory sticks, cups, and pens. These helped spark conversations and left students with useful takeaways to remember us by.
What was the most successful part of the event?
The most successful aspect was the positive interaction with the students. There was genuine interest from both male and female attendees, and we were encouraged by the number of students asking questions and expressing interest in apprenticeships. The VR scaffold experience also proved to be a great talking point and helped make our stand stand out.
Did you face any challenges at the event?
There were no major challenges in terms of student engagement. The only minor issue we encountered was with the VR headset—some students initially found the navigation controls difficult to use when attempting to walk through the virtual scaffold environment.
Were you able to find any solutions to your challenges?
Yes, after demonstrating and explaining the controls a few times, most students were able to use the VR headset successfully. Going forward, we plan to refine the experience by simplifying the controls or offering a brief tutorial upfront to make it more accessible.
What do you feel the impact was of the session?
The session had a strong impact. Many students left with a better understanding of the scaffolding industry and the career pathways available. We helped shift perceptions and opened doors for young people to consider roles in a sector that is both essential and full of opportunity.
Were there any outcomes from the event?
Several students expressed interest in joining our apprenticeship programme, and we are currently awaiting CV submissions. The event reinforced the importance of engaging directly with young people, and we’ve recognised that attending more of these events is vital if we want to attract fresh talent and secure the future of our industry.
