From Military Service to Scaffolding Safety with a COTS Course

Originally from Tonga, Sion moved to the UK at 12. His strong sense of discipline and commitment led him to serve in the British Army’s Yorkshire Regiment, where he honed valuable skills that would later support his transition into the scaffolding industry.

After leaving the military, Sion sought a new career path that would allow him to apply his experience while developing new skills. He joined Frome Scaffolding, a well-established company, and quickly recognised the importance of formal training to enhance his knowledge and career prospects.

To strengthen his foundational understanding of scaffolding, Frome Scaffolding enrolled Sion in the CISRS Operative Training Scheme (COTS) course at SIMIAN’s Weston-super-Mare training centre. The COTS course is specifically designed to introduce individuals to key scaffolding concepts, terminology, and health and safety protocols. Through this training, Sion gained essential knowledge in:

• General scaffolding responsibilities
• Equipment servicing and maintenance
• Health and safety compliance
• Safe manual handling practices

Completing the COTS course has been a pivotal moment in Sion’s career. His biggest takeaway from the experience is the importance of working safely at all times. With a deeper understanding of health and safety regulations, he is now better equipped to contribute to a safe and efficient working environment at Frome Scaffolding.

Sion’s journey demonstrates how structured training and professional development can support individuals transitioning into the scaffolding industry. His background in the British Army provided him with discipline and teamwork skills, which, combined with the technical knowledge gained from the COTS course, position him for long-term success.

After his COTS Course, Sion said:

“The COTS course has really opened my eyes to the importance of safety in scaffolding. I now feel much more confident in my role, knowing that I can work more safely and efficiently. The training at SIMIAN was invaluable in helping me take this next step in my career.”

At SIMIAN, we are proud to support individuals like Sion in building strong, safe careers in scaffolding. His story is a testament to the power of training, safety, and continuous professional growth.