Emma Claassen has responded to Adrian Chiles’ recent commentary regarding the severe recruitment shortages within the scaffolding industry. In a letter published following Chiles’ October 1 piece titled “Britain’s scaffolding should be a source of national pride – instead we’re struggling to recruit workers,” Claassen acknowledged the validity of his assessment.
She noted that Chiles is correct in identifying scaffolding as physically demanding labor that requires significant resilience, technical skill, sound judgment, and comprehensive training. Consequently, she agreed that the role is inherently unsuitable for everyone, regardless of gender.
However, Claassen contended that the discourse surrounding the current skills gap needs to shift. Rather than focusing on historical demographic trends or traditional pathways into the trade, she argued the conversation should prioritize identifying individuals who possess both the willingness and the ability to learn the profession and adhere to its rigorous standards.
I wonder if older workers in the industry are actually open to this shift, or just clinging to tradition?
Finally, someone is saying it. Skills matter far more than gender stereotypes in a trade this demanding.