CISRS unveils landmark reforms to overhaul scaffolding training and boost apprenticeships

In a transformative initiative poised to reimagine the scaffolding training landscape, the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has revealed a comprehensive reform programme. This plan, announced by Wayne Connolly, Chair of CISRS, aims to modernise training frameworks, expand apprenticeship pathways, and enhance accessibility for young entrants to the field.

The drive for reform comes on the heels of an extensive governance review and an independent survey of industry perceptions. Connolly emphasised the urgent need for a training system characterised by robustness, inclusivity, and alignment with the contemporary demands of the workforce. He stated, “We are focused on building a modern, responsive training network that meets real-world needs while maintaining the high standards of safety and competence the sector demands. This reform marks the beginning of a progressive programme of change.”

At the heart of these reforms is the establishment of a new Quality Committee, which will have the critical task of overseeing training standards, course content, and the performance of training centres. This committee will comprise representatives from both employers and educational institutions, chaired by an independent expert, thereby fostering a framework grounded in collaborative oversight.

Recent survey data underscored a pressing need for improvement in customer satisfaction at training centres, prompting CISRS to incorporate satisfaction metrics into future key performance indicators (KPIs). A critical element of the overhaul will be a revised Centre Specification, effective from 1 June 2025, aimed at making it easier for training providers to offer flexible and high-quality learning environments. This includes a significant reduction in minimum height requirements for training areas, a change expected to significantly enhance training capacity in densely populated urban areas and more remote regions of the UK.

In a bid to modernise operations, the CISRS is embracing digital transformation for training records and data collection. This will enable tracking of learner outcomes, which is crucial for tailoring educational content to meet diverse learner needs. Furthermore, in a move aimed at increasing safety and oversight, there will be a mandate for CCTV installation across all CISRS-approved centres.

Complementing these changes is the introduction of an 18-month moratorium on the approval of new Open-Air Craft Centres, allowing existing facilities time to adapt to the new standards. This strategic pause reflects a commitment to ensuring that the reforms are thoughtfully integrated and effectively implemented.

The need for such comprehensive changes is further amplified by a well-documented skills and talent shortage in the scaffolding sector. Clive Dickin, Group Chief Executive of both NASC and CISRS, highlighted the longstanding challenges faced by the industry, pointing out that the current education frameworks yield only 16-17 training systems and provide insufficient opportunities for apprentices. He elaborated on the need for a more holistic approach to scaffolding education that extends beyond construction to various sectors, including industrial, events, utilities, oil, gas, and transport.

In light of these developments, opportunities to further bolster the skilled workforce are also at the forefront of industry initiatives. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, has called on members to take full advantage of the government-backed Skills Bootcamps for Scaffolding Training. These bootcamps provide up to 100% funding for essential qualifications, representing a significant step towards addressing the skills gap that has been constraining the industry’s growth potential.

As the scaffolding sector stands at a crucial juncture, the reforms spearheaded by CISRS and supported by various initiatives signal a commitment to evolving the training landscape, ultimately positioning the UK as a frontrunner in vocational education and training for scaffolding and access professionals.

In the coming months, CISRS plans to unveil more specifics and support mechanisms for training providers as it embarks on realising a “future-ready training system” reflective of the heightened demands and expectations in today’s labour market.