Workforce development
Session overview: The title is a provocation — but it is also a question that every employer, trainer and scaffolder has probably already asked. This session takes that question seriously. It does not shy away from the scepticism, nor does it oversell the technology, but makes the case for why change is overdue, necessary and, done well, genuinely exciting. Bringing together learning specialists, training centre leads, employers and scaffolders, the session will examine what digital transformation in training actually looks like in practice — from blended learning methodology and immersive technology to the role of social media — and, critically, where its limits must lie in enhancing the practical, physical competence rather than replacing it. The honest answer to the title question is: it depends entirely on how digital tools are used. This session explores exactly that.
Why this session matters: Trust in training is not abstract — it is the difference between a safe site and a dangerous one. If digital methods are going to play a greater role in how scaffolders are trained and a smarter way to prepare people for the physical demands of the job, the industry needs to know what that means for competence, for safety and for standards. This session gives employers, trainers and scaffolders a frank assessment of what works, what does not, and where the line must be drawn. Because the real question is not whether digital training has a role — it does — but whether the industry is applying it in ways that genuinely build skilled, work-ready scaffolders, rather than cutting corners dressed up as innovation.
Martin Addison is CEO of Video Arts with more than three decades experience in the video learning and technologies market. Video Arts was established in the UK by a small group of television professionals, including the actor and comedian John Cleese, who pioneered the use of storytelling, high-quality video, and humour in training.
He has led the organisation from its roots in classroom delivery to a future based on delivering very reimagined digital and blended learning that combines the benefits of AI and human experience.
Video Arts is part of the Emmy & BAFTA award-winning Tinopolis group, one of the largest independent media producers across television, animation, and new media with operations in the US, Europe & Asia. Video Arts have won over dozens of prizes in recent years for their approach to learning content at IELA E-learning Awards, World Media Festival and at the Cannes Media & TV Awards.
Clive Dickin is CEO of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and CEO of the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS). An inspirational and experienced trade‑body leader, he has over 25 years’ experience steering member‑based organisations to strong growth.
He has a long career history in the building and construction sector, with spells as commercial director at the National Federation of Builders, CEO of the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors and General Manager and Development Manager at Hire Association Europe (HAE) and the Event Hire Association (EHA). He also spent six highly successful years as National Director (CEO) of the Association of Air Ambulances, during which time he raised millions of pounds for the organisation and transformed the air ambulance service in the UK.
