A COMPANY providing training in scaffolding has taken on 12 apprentices from across Yorkshire.

Astra Training is running a pioneering guaranteed apprenticeship programme in which the trainees gain a diploma in scaffolding alongside practical hands on experience.

As part of the programme, Astra will liaise with clients and contacts in the scaffolding and access industry to find employment for the apprentices that pass the 16-week diploma.

Mick Aston, Honley-based Astra training director, said: “The Apprenticeship programme gives young people a solid background in scaffolding, giving them both the practical and theory skills they need to move into the world of work.

“Those who complete the course will leave with a Level 2 Diploma in Scaffolding. We will also endeavour to find them an employer; we are very proud of our ability to train the apprentices, but it is also down to their own hard work that they are successful.”

Astra, which was founded by Mr Aston in 2008, launched its dedicated 50,000sq ft training centre to provide courses for both qualified scaffolders and apprentices.

Mr Aston said the apprentices come from a range of backgrounds – including unemployed people, ex- offenders and school leavers.

“Many of these young lads come from deprived areas and tough backgrounds, some are third generation unemployed,” he said.

“The course is no easy route – it is an intensive 16 weeks and we demand the highest quality work as well as discipline and good time-keeping.

“They have to undertake a variety of assessments both in the classroom and in centre, which is one of the UK’s largest scaffolding training centres.

“They learn about the various types of scaffolding and systems that suit different sized projects, as well as health and safety, which is paramount in the construction industry.”

The apprenticeship is run through Construction Industry Solutions, meaning that the apprentices are qualified to work on site as soon as they leave Astra.

Astra has already had enquiries from a national scaffolding contractor to take on two of the apprentices once they complete the course.

Said Mr Aston: “This training programme lays the foundation for a career in scaffolding and for the lads who complete it there is huge potential. They will have to start at the bottom but in this industry that is the best way to do it – learn the ropes and then look to progress.

“Most of the top people in the scaffolding industry have really learned their trade from the bottom, and if the apprentices take it seriously they can do very well. The Yorkshire area has a strong construction industry and there are plenty of opportunities for skilled young scaffolders.”