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Published: October 24, 2022

The Scaffolding Association – the scaffolding and access sectors largest trade association, is urging its members and the wider industry to engage with the #TheBigConversation – an initiative being led by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

The #TheBigConversation is a chance for employers, training providers, business representative bodies, apprentices and anyone else who uses or is affected by technical qualifications to give their views and help shape the skills system. 

They want to hear what’s working, what isn’t and how the system supports or could better support your business and the scaffolding and access sector among others.

Themes include:

1. Qualifications: Breadth and range of qualifications

2. National System: How far the skills system supports national priorities, such as the levelling up agenda

3. Progression: How far the system allows you, your organisation, or your region to progress

4. Confidence: How confident you feel that the system can deliver what your business or region needs

5. Quality: Quality of the system and the qualifications which support it

Those wishing to take part can register their details here and someone from IfATE will be in touch to have a conversation – it’s that simple. Views will be analysed and used to create a report which will be published in March 2023.

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “It’s vitally important that industry engages with this opportunity and has its say on what works well and what doesn’t. This industry faces a significant and growing skills and labour shortage and a fit for purpose apprenticeships system will be an essential ingredient to help resolve this.”

Notes for editors

The Scaffolding Association is the UK’s largest dedicated trade association representing the Scaffolding and Access industry.

The construction sector employs 2.7millon people, contributes over £100bn to the UK economy which is 7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).