NASC signs MOU with WiSA
The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and Women in Scaffolding Association (WiSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a new partnership focused on supporting women and strengthening the future workforce of the scaffolding and access industry.
The MOU was signed at ScaffEx26 on the WiSA stand by Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC, and Emerantia Claassen, Founder and Director of WiSA.
The agreement formalises a commitment by both organisations to work together to increase awareness of scaffolding as a career, support workforce development and promote recognised industry standards. It also sets out a shared ambition to improve the visibility, progression and long-term participation of women throughout the sector.
Under the MOU, NASC and WiSA will collaborate on initiatives covering recruitment, retention and career progression, as well as mentoring, networking and professional development. The organisations will also share industry knowledge and best practice and participate in events, forums and other engagement opportunities.
Clive Dickin said: “The scaffolding and access industry needs skilled people across every part of the sector, and addressing those skills shortages means making sure we are attracting talent from the widest possible pool. We need more initiatives that encourage women to see scaffolding as a genuine, rewarding career, whether that is on the tools, in design and engineering, health and safety, training, management or leadership. Working with WiSA gives us an opportunity to help turn that ambition into practical action.”
Emerantia Claassen said: “WiSA is still at a very early stage in its journey, and the opportunity to work alongside NASC means a great deal to us. We are extremely happy with the objectives and the spirit of the MOU and what it represents for women in our industry. By working collaboratively, we can create more opportunities for women to enter scaffolding, build their careers and see a long-term future for themselves within the sector.”
NASC will bring its industry expertise, technical knowledge, training and competence frameworks and extensive network of contractors, training providers and other industry stakeholders to the partnership. WiSA will contribute its expertise in workforce engagement and industry representation, together with outreach, mentoring, advocacy and awareness initiatives designed to help more women enter, progress and succeed within scaffolding.
The MOU reflects a shared commitment to a safe, competent and professional scaffolding industry and recognises the role collaboration can play in developing a stronger and more diverse future workforce.
As part of the agreement, NASC and WiSA will initially meet quarterly to develop the relationship and review activity, before moving to agreed meeting intervals. The MOU will be formally reviewed every two years.
