The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is calling on offshore workers to consider pivoting to the construction sector, highlighting a significant overlap in professional skills between the two industries.

Data from the CITB's Construction Workforce Outlook indicates a rising demand for skilled tradespeople, specifically forecasting that nearly 1,400 new scaffolders will be required across the UK by 2029. This demand presents a major opportunity for workers from Scotland's North Sea energy sector to repurpose their existing expertise.

Offshore personnel often possess attributes that are highly valued in construction, such as a rigorous commitment to safety, experience working at height, knowledge of inspection processes, and familiarity with disciplined site operations.

To address recruitment challenges in Scotland, the CITB is currently offering a £200 discount on the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) Scaffolding Part 1: Tube and Fitting Scaffold course. This training is available at the National Construction College (NCC) Scotland in Inchinnan and is intended to lower the entry barriers for those looking to retrain.

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The CITB continues to work alongside the industry to support both new entrants and experienced workers. Their NCC network provides accredited training aligned with CISRS standards, focusing on career progression and high-quality skill development.

Robert Stephenson, Access Instructor at CITB, commented: "Scaffolding is a trade where transferable skills can be effectively applied, offering structured routes into long-term employment and progression within construction. We regularly work with learners who bring valuable skills from other industries, including offshore and energy. Our role is to help support people and employers to give them the skills they need to build a competent and resilient workforce.

"Our priority is ensuring training reflects real site requirements and gives people the skills employers need now and in the future. Whether someone is new to construction or transitioning from another sector, scaffolding offers a clear, structured route with strong standards and progression."

The NCC recently achieved an 'expected standard' rating across all categories in its latest Ofsted inspection. Under a new, more rigorous framework, this result confirms the college is meeting high quality and effectiveness standards for its learners.

For the 2026/27 Financial Year, the CITB has confirmed that funding for scaffolding training will remain available across all NCC sites, supplemented by ongoing grant support for employers.

For more information on scaffolding training at NCC Inchinann, please visit: Scaffolding training at NCC Inchinnan