Meet the trainer – Sheldon McGeever

9th January 2019

A bit about your job

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

I celebrated my 30^th year in scaffolding this past October, having begun my career in 1988 in Leeds. Since then I have worked all around the country, including in the chemical and oil industries. Some of my most memorable experience has come from working on the Gherkin in London as it was being built, a few football stadiums, a nuclear submarine and a steam train.

Can you describe a typical day at Simian?

Lively, busy, interesting. No two days are the same here at Simian, even if you are running a training course, my days are always varied.

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

I love to see the lads achieve and gain a great career from what they have learnt at Simian. It’s a great feeling to see the progression of each of the trainees, particularly for apprentices, we have the chance to see them not only progress in scaffolding but in their life.

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

I would tell them just to do it, and not give it a second thought. Scaffolding is an amazing career path that gives you the opportunity to see the world, gain a good trade as well as build a great lifestyle. For me personally, if I was 17 again, I would still choose to go into scaffolding because of the opportunities it has given me.

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

Safety is paramount. I myself have had an accident in the past, and I have lost a friend from a fall at height and therefore safety is something that is extremely important to train scaffolders in.

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

I think working on the nuclear submarine was the most interesting scaffolding job I have ever carried out. The submarine was heavily guarded with armed guards who escorted us wherever we went. I was actually working on the submarine during 9/11 and therefore, because of the fact that it was an active nuclear submarine, we were all on high alert for a period of time.