Day in the life of a Scaffolder- Martin George
About Me
My dad was a scaffolder with Vange Scaffolding when I was growing up, along with four of his brothers, so it was always part of my background. After finishing college in 2000 and with my older brother already in the game, I was keen to get started myself. In 2001 I begged my uncle for a chance. He was a bit hesitant at first as I’m not the biggest guy but he eventually gave in. From day one I threw myself into the work and grafted hard and the more effort I put in, the more I progressed. That led to more opportunities, more overtime, then price work and ultimately better money.
By 2004, at the age of 23, I was married with two kids so the responsibility of providing for my family drove me to keep pushing myself. I qualified as a Basic Scaffolder in 2005 and Advanced in 2009. Around the same time Vange Scaffolding went under but by then I’d built up the skills and reputation to move forward in my career Having been a chargehand for a few years, I joined CCS Scaffolding in 2013 at a really fortunate time during a period of growth. I soon moved off the spanners and into supervision, then into site and later project management. In 2022 I was promoted to Commercial & Compliance Director, which is my current role.
What’s kept me in scaffolding all these years isn’t just the financial rewards but the people I’ve met along the
way, the strong relationships I’ve built and the daily banter with other Scaff’s. I’ve never been one to chase an extra pound an hour, instead I’ve found that loyalty, commitment and hard work have always paid off in the
long run.
A Typical Day
I’m fortunate that my current role allows me a lot of flexibility. I’m trusted to manage my responsibilities as I see fit with flexible start and finish times and the option to work remotely although I generally prefer to be in the office or out on projects rather than at home. I usually start between 7:30 and 8am, either at our head office or on one of our sites, depending on what the day requires. A large part of my role focuses on commercial management and administration. That includes processing instructions from clients, collating evidence to secure payments, applying for and consolidating payments, reviewing tenders and quotations, administering contracts and generally ensuring we get paid and maintain good cash flow. I also oversee compliance so I’m responsible for maintaining all our accreditations and making sure the business continues to meet its legal, safety, and industry obligations. Day to day, I work independently a lot but I also rely on and support key people across the company. Visiting sites gives me the chance to socialise with our teams, build relationships and maintain that connection with the people delivering the work on the ground.
Highlights of the Job
When I was on the tools, what I enjoyed most was the satisfaction of building scaffold structures. Scaffolding is temporary works so it’s there for a while and then it’s gone forever but being part of erecting something on a that facilitates the making of something else and knowing you’ve contributed to it is incredibly rewarding. These days, my enjoyment comes from a different angle. I take pride in seeing my ideas, visions and processes being adopted by our site teams, knowing they’re making a real difference to safety standards and systems. Also watching younger scaffolders progress through their training and watching their development brings me genuine satisfaction. One of the most memorable projects I’ve been involved in was the Waterloo Station upgrade. Leading the team on such a huge, complex job that required innovative scaffolding solutions to keep the project moving safely and efficiently was a real highlight in my career.
Challenges
Some of the toughest parts of the job, especially on the tools, were the early starts, particularly in the winter when it’s cold, wet and dark. Scaffolders don’t get enough credit for the conditions that we have to work in. Scaffolding is hard graft and physically demanding, construction is a tough game. But the rewards and the satisfaction of the work always got me out of bed in the morning. What’s helped me handle those challenges is focusing on the bigger picture. A trade is a fantastic skill to have and it has kept me employed through recessions and some tough times, always allowing me to provide for my family. In my current role as Commercial & Compliance Director, the challenges are different. Managing multiple projects, ensuring compliance and keeping teams aligned can be demanding. I handle these by staying organised, trusting our teams and focusing on clear communication.
Skills & Training
A scaffolder needs a strong combination of technical ability, physical fitness and safety awareness to carry out the job effectively. They must be able to read and follow technical drawings, assemble and dismantle different types of scaffolding systems and use tools and equipment correctly. Good spatial awareness, balance and coordination are essential as the work often involves operating at heights in challenging conditions. Strong communication skills, being able to work as part of a team, being reliable and formal training such as CISRS certification help ensure that scaffolders can do their job safely, efficiently and to a high professional standard. I’ve been very fortunate to obtain multiple qualifications over the years including both Advanced Scaffolding and Scaffold Supervisor NVQ LVL 3, Senior Construction Manager NVQ LVL 7, CITB Temporary Works Coordinator and IMS Internal Auditor as well as other skills including IOSH Managing Safely, First Aider, Mental Health First Aider and Harness Inspection. Currently I’m on my second year of a Professional Diploma in Commercial Management.
Advice for Others
I’d say take every opportunity that comes your way, work hard and be consistent. Turning up every day and committing fully to the job is one of the most important things you can do. Listen to others and never be afraid to ask questions, that’s the best way to learn and progress. And look after your feet. Good footwear will make a huge difference in this trade. You’ll happily spend £200 on a pair of trainers but remember that you wear your work boots every day for a shift!
Final Thoughts
“My career in scaffolding has given me the chance to work in incredible environments with amazing people while providing the stability to support and raise my family.”
