National Scaffolding Week

While many people look past or ignore scaffolding as they go about their lives, these temporary structures are a vital part of the construction industry! Usually made of metal poles and wood planks, scaffolding is used by workers for building new structures as long as repair, maintenance and cleaning for existing structures.

It is estimated that more than 2 million people make use of scaffolding in their jobs, making hard-to-reach areas accessible in a safe and stable manner.

National Scaffolding Week is here to bring attention to the importance of this industry, showing appreciation for the work and achievements of individuals and organizations who make it possible. 

History of National Scaffolding Week

National Scaffolding Week is a fairly new celebration that was started in 2022 by the Scaffolding Association in the UK.

This unique campaign was presented to raise the profile of careers in the scaffolding sector, showcase the diversity of these jobs and inspiring a new generation of workers within the industry. 

With more than 6,000 scaffolding companies in the UK alone, and thousands more across the world, National Scaffolding Week is a great time to get more people involved in this progressive industry.

How to Celebrate National Scaffolding Week

Check out some of these ideas to get started with celebrating National Scaffolding Week as individuals, businesses, schools and other groups:

Show Support for the Scaffolding Industry

An excellent way to get involved with National Scaffolding Week is to use this time to connect with and show support for those who work in this sector.

Make an appreciation post on social media, give a thank you card to a person you know in in the industry or get creative with others ways to show support! 

Encourage New Scaffolding Workers

Parents, school teachers, guidance counselors and others who have influence on teens might consider spending some time with them discussing career ideas during National Scaffolding Week.

Many young people don’t realize what a viable career this work is, so this would be an ideal time to help teens explore the possibilities of a viable career in the scaffolding and construction sector. 

Learn Facts About Scaffolding

In celebration of National Scaffolding Week, it might be fun for individuals to learn and share different facts about scaffolding with friends and family, whether in person or online.

Head over the library to check out a book or do some online research. Get started with some of these interesting facts to get started with: 

• The origins of scaffolding can be traced back to Ancient China and North Africa, often made from sustainable bamboo 
• Italian artist, Michelangelo, was considered to be one of the best ever designers of scaffolding, which he used to complete his impressive artwork 
• The Guinness World Record was set in 1998 with The Eden Project, which was comprised of 230 miles worth of scaffolding 
• While the range can vary, the general consensus is that the average piece of scaffolding weighs approximately 50 lbs