Scaffolding may not seem appealing to many leaving school and college today, however, it is one of the most rewarding careers in construction. The pathways to senior positions are mapped right from the apprenticeship stage, meaning you can be clear about where your career will end up years down the line…
Let’s take a look at 7 reasons why you should consider a scaffolding apprenticeship
- The ideal path for school leavers
If you have just left school, then don’t rule out an apprenticeship in scaffolding. Due to the nature of the industry, you can jump straight in and learn about the industry as an apprentice and work your way up.
Whilst staying in full-time education is the popular choice, others may not wish to do so, and the opportunity to earn some money whilst earning on the job is a great option for school and college leavers.
Starting as an apprentice leads to real-world qualifications and invaluable industry experience. You will also have your career path mapped for you, where you will be able to gain all the necessary qualifications/tickets to become a fully qualified scaffolder.
- No shortage of opportunities
The UK construction industry has a skills shortage. This is no secret and a problem that everyone in the industry is desperately trying to solve. Whilst this might be bad news for the industry itself, it’s great for those looking to break into a scaffolding career. There has never been a better time to get involved, the work is here for all experience levels.
- Scaffolding is a career, not just a job
Whilst scaffolding and many trades can be viewed as just a job, it is a career. Whilst many begin as scaffolders themselves, the opportunities to progress and branch out are extensive. From leading your own gang all the way to becoming an area manager, the pathways are there once you have the relevant qualifications.
There are also many opportunities to train as health and safety officers and contract managers. These are not directly involved with working on-site but are the perfect ways to progress your career outside of the construction site itself.
Many of our current team started as labourers and apprentices and worked their way up the ranks – why can’t you?
- The variation of work
Whilst it’s no secret that scaffolding is hard work both physically and mentally, each day is varied. Projects can range from simple domestic towers to massive projects in some of the most iconic cities in the world.
Your work and qualifications are not limited to the UK. If you wish to work abroad in the future, many scaffolding components are universal allowing you to work almost anywhere. UK scaffolding qualifications are amongst the best in the world. As a result, UK-trained scaffolders are sought after across the globe.
- Big Improvements in Health and Safety
There are many risks to working at height but health and safety has come a long way in recent years thanks to the hard work of health and safety officers and managers across the country. Now, the UK scaffolding industry is widely regarded as being the safest in the world.
Alongside apprenticeship training, you receive mandatory health and safety training delivered by our team, detailing expectations and strict safety requirements. This will not just be part of the induction process, but constantly updated and reviewed throughout the year.
- Potential for high earnings
Due to the nature of the work, scaffolders are often paid a good wage, particularly those with experience and the right qualifications. As you progress through the industry and gain experience your rewards will greatly improve.
- There will always be scaffolding!
Unlike many office careers that are under threat from AI, the construction industry’s greatest asset is its people. Without a strong workforce, projects will grind to a halt. There will never be a shortage of work for those in the industry as new projects will always need scaffolding and so will repair and improvement projects.
If you would like to know more about the apprenticeships available here at Embassy, please contact our team today at info@embassysiteservices.co.uk or give us a call on 01708 867609.