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What Will 2021 Bring for the Scaffolding Industry?

9th December 2020

2020 has been a turbulent year for the scaffolding industry, not to mention the business world as a whole, as we tackled the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lockdowns, social distancing restrictions, as well as site and training centre closures have meant that those in the scaffolding industry have had to carry out their work in an adapted manner, but in our opinion, the construction industry as a whole and particularly those involved in scaffolding, have responded superbly.

scaffolding in 2021

Now with news that a vaccine may be on its way this month, we can all begin to look ahead at 2021 and begin to plan for the first time in nine months. So, what could 2021 bring the scaffolding industry?

Construction projects

With closures at certain points during 2020 for construction sites throughout the UK and only a limited workforce able to work at any one time, there have inevitably been delays to projects. 2021 therefore, is likely to be an extremely busy time for the construction industry, as existing projects continue and new ones begins. Ultimately this means a great deal of opportunity for scaffolding professionals on projects the length and breadth of the country. The naysayers might say that every silver lining has a cloud, and it remains to be seen what the implications of Brexit might be come 01 January 2021, but hopefully, the transition will be seamless, with minimal impact to the industry.

Training

Back in late March, SIMIAN had to close the doors to our training centres as the UK went into lockdown. Following their reopening in June and July, we have endeavoured to deliver as many training courses as was feasible under restrictions. We implemented many measures at our centres to ensure both attendees and trainers were able to hold and run courses in a COVID-safe environment, and these include restrictions on course numbers and enhanced hygiene and site access requirements.

With training being a fundamental part of the scaffolding profession, it is crucial that the right courses are available year-round, and this means 2021 will see a huge focus on training for both beginners and more established scaffolders, both of whom missed out on training as a result of the pandemic and those looking to further their career and qualifications.

2021 for SIMIAN

There are many exciting things to look forward to in 2021 for the SIMIAN team. Our training capacity expanded this year following our joint venture with Aspects Total Training, which means our training courses will now be available in the Midlands area.

Furthermore, with the introduction of our Layher Apprenticeship Scheme last month, we are very excited to welcome delegates onto our course and support the scaffolding industry by expertly training a new generation of professionals.

We are also excited about the prospects for our London (Waltham Forest) centre, which is now under the direct control of Simian, under the Governance of Waltham Forest Borough Council, and we have plans to expand that into a centre of excellence for sustainable construction training in many different disciplines.

Follow SIMIAN on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn for updates on the scaffolding industry throughout 2021 and beyond. Our newsletter will be taking a short winter break, but we’ll be back with a vengeance in February 2021.

Here’s hoping all of our customers have a great Christmas break and a happy and healthy 2021!