Meet the trainer – Isaac Morrison

A bit about your job

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

I began my scaffolding career straight from school, where I was a yard labourer. After completing my apprenticeship and becoming fully qualified I moved to London, and worked on scaffolding at St Pancras Station. Following this, I undertook a number of industrial scaffolding roles including within the oil refinery and petrochemical industries. My career has taken me all over the world including Germany and Australia. I have progressed in my career, from my initial apprenticeship, to yard labourer, to site supervisor, to scaffold instructor and inspector.

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

Because my role is extremely varied there is no typical day here at Simian Risk. One day I could be working with trainees on a course, the next I could be inspecting scaffolding or investigating an incident, no two days are the same.

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

At the moment Simian is working on a pre-employment scheme that supports individuals struggling to get on the career ladder, which has been great to work on. In addition to this, the mental health awareness training that we carry out is very rewarding.

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

For those considering a career in scaffolding I would say that it is tough work but its is extremely rewarding once you gain your qualifications. Scaffolding is a team sport, and therefore you will make great friends for life.

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

For trainee scaffolders I would say don’t let anyone get in the way of gaining your qualifications, once qualified you can go anywhere. For me, I have been able to travel the world and provide a great life for my family.

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

My most unusual job would definitely be a banana picker or humper (its official name) in Queensland, Australia. I would chop down trees, pick the bananas and help to transport them, it was a great job.

A bit about you

Aside from scaffolding, what would be your dream job?

Scaffolding is my dream job!

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

Tokyo, Japan

Favourite film?

Enter the Dragon

Favourite food?

Full cooked breakfast

Have you ever had your 15 minutes of fame?

I once snuck into a music festival by posing as a disgruntled agent whose act, a DJ was unable to find the which stage he was performing at. We were told to wait in a back stage VIP area with some complimentary drinks while they tracked down our contact. By the time they’d rumbled us we’d made the most of a few free drinks and joined the rest of the festival goers and never had to pay (Or perform thankfully)