The UK is facing a significant shortage of scaffolders, with the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) stating in March that an additional 40,000 workers are needed. This potential shortfall could lead to more low-rise building construction if not addressed.
Scaffolding is described as physically demanding work that requires considerable skill. Despite its challenges, it is highlighted as a profession that artificial intelligence cannot currently perform.
British teams, including AK Scaffolding from Manchester and an all-apprentice squad called the A-Team from Northern Ireland and Scotland, recently participated in ScaffChamp, an international scaffolding championship held in Vilnius, Lithuania.