Let’s build a better future for female scaffolders | Letter
Emma Claassen responds to an article by Adrian Chiles on the recruitment crisis in scaffolding Adrian Chiles is right: scaffolding is hard work ( Britain’s scaffolding should be a source of national pride – instead we’re struggling to recruit workers, 1 October ). It demands physical resilience, skill, judgment and proper training. That will naturally mean it is not a job for everyone – men or…
In her response to Adrian Chiles' article on the recruitment crisis in scaffolding, Emma Claassen, founder of the Women in Scaffolding Association (WiSA), emphasizes that scaffolding is a physically demanding and skilled trade that demands physical resilience, skill, judgment, and proper training. She clarifies that not everyone, regardless of gender, is suited for this job, which is why the conversation surrounding the skills shortage should focus on those who are willing and able to learn the trade and meet the same high standards.
Claassen acknowledges the significant shortfall in the industry, as described by Chiles, and emphasizes the need to broaden the pool of potential scaffolders. While she highlights the importance of including women in the trade, her primary concern is attracting capable individuals, providing them with proper training, and maintaining high standards. This approach aligns with WiSA's mission to support and make visible women already working on the scaffolding tools, showcasing that scaffolding is a genuine skilled career.
Claassen stresses that scaffolding requires both strength and technique, teamwork, training, and considerable skill. She reiterates that these standards should not be compromised, nor should they be lowered. Chiles also brings up the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on scaffolding, noting that the work is practical and skilled, making it unlikely to be fully automated away. She believes that Britain still needs people to build, solve problems, and work safely with their hands.
To address the potential decline in the number of scaffolders, Claassen suggests looking beyond traditional demographics for the next generation of workers. She notes that women could play a significant role in filling this gap. Overall, Claassen advocates for a more inclusive and focused approach to addressing the scaffolding skills shortage, emphasizing the importance of finding and training capable people who are willing to meet the high standards of the trade.
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