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Meet the trainer – Adie Holmes

30th November 2018

Adie Holmes

A bit about your job

Could you please tell us about your past experience in the scaffolding industry?

I thought I might have had a small break to get over the trauma of school, but the very next day my dad had bought me my first pair of boots and there they were at the end of my bed ready for me to accompany him to work at SGB Bristol. My first Chargehand would tell me stories about mucking out the horse that they use to use to pull the scaffold cart! There I learnt the trade from fitting servicer right through to Advanced Scaffolder/Supervisor working on various jobs including TV and film, power stations, MOD and both of the Severn bridges, which I particularly enjoyed, being a native Bristolian! I have worked for all the major build firms in the UK. I fell into training at my time at SGB and went on to become their regional H&S Leader for the South.

 2. Can you describe a typical day at Simian Risk?

It can be very varied from day to day. Today training, yesterday inspection and generally giving clients advice. There is always something different in any given day.

3. Is there one aspect of your work in particular that you most enjoy?

I do enjoy passing on knowledge to anyone who is willing to learn and still get a kick out of a eureka moment when a delegate says how easy that would have been, if only they had known earlier!

4. What advice would you give those considering a career in the scaffolding industry?

I would and always have said the industry will look after anyone willing to put in a day’s work and follow procedures. It has certainly looked after me!

5. In your opinion, what is the most important piece of guidance you give trainee scaffolders?

That’s easy its always from my own learning experience/life’s stories about keeping themselves and others safe.

6. Before working at Simian, what was the most unusual or interesting job (scaffolder or other) you’ve ever had?

I once took some time out to earn my way in life in a band.

A bit about you

Aside from scaffolding, what would be your dream job?

I once worked with stuntman erecting scaffolds/ structures for film and quickly realised at the time that I was more at risk of harm than he was. So that was always my dream job.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Vietnam

Favourite film?

I can’t pick one, but I’m a great fan of 50s and 60s comedy films but am even partial to the old Laurel and Hardy black and white epics!

Favourite food?

Easy! That would be a Curry!

Do you have a hidden talent/ party trick?

I can get a tune out of quite a few instruments including– guitar – rhythm and lead, drums, bass, piano, banjo, mouth organ, ukulele and too many others that I care to forget! 

Have you ever had your 15 minutes of fame?

I have backed Bill Haley’s Comets (rock around the clock) and various bands and singers. I was a session player for a while and have played on a few recordings.