Total People showcases cutting edge facilities to European and UK organisations as part of Scaffex Manchester

Total People, part of the LTE Group, recently welcomed members of the UEG, alongside representatives from the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), to its specialist scaffolding centre in Wythenshawe. 

The visit formed part of the European delegation's programme while attending ScaffEx, providing an opportunity for some of the industry's most influential leaders to see first-hand how apprenticeship training is helping to develop the next generation of skilled scaffolders in the UK. 

During the visit, delegates toured Total People's purpose-built scaffolding training facilities and met with apprentices, employers and learning coaches to gain insight into the delivery of scaffolding apprenticeships and the positive impact they are having across the sector. 

The delegation also spent time with Connolly Scaffolding, one of Total People's employer partners, to hear directly about the value apprenticeships bring to businesses through workforce development, skills growth and succession planning. 

Speaking at the visit, John Thornhill, Chief Executive Officer of LTE Group, said: "Skills development is critical to the long-term success of every sector. We were delighted to demonstrate how high-quality apprenticeship programmes are supporting individuals, employers and the wider scaffolding industry through practical, employer-led training." 

Melanie Nicholson, Managing Director of Total People, added: "It was a privilege to welcome members of the European General Assembly and NASC to our Scaffolding Centre. Apprenticeships are essential to the future of the industry, and this visit gave us an opportunity to showcase the passion of our apprentices, the expertise of our learning coaches and the commitment of employers, such as Connollys Scaffolding, to developing future talent." 

The visit provided delegates with the opportunity to hear directly from scaffolding apprentices currently progressing through their training programmes. Apprentices shared their experiences of entering the industry, developing technical skills and building long-term careers through apprenticeship pathways. 

Total People's specialist scaffolding learning coaches also explained how training is tailored to meet employer needs while maintaining high standards of safety, technical competence and industry best practice. 

Steve Fellows, Vice President of NASC, commented: “I think it’s really important that we create a relationship with our European counterparts. Having them come to a training centre, where they can see the quality and the levels of what we do for our scaffolding industry, and how we bring apprenticeships through into the working environment, is so important.” 

Paul Turner from Connolly Scaffolding, said: “The partnership we have with Total People is going really, really well. My experience over the last few years, since I’ve been with Connolly’s, is that it’s gone from strength to strength. It’s a really good, strong collaboration from both parties. Apprentices are key to the scaffolding industry. As we know, there’s a skills shortage, and apprentices add value from a longevity point of view.” 

Albin Nilsson, President of UEG said: "As President of UEG, I believe it is very important that we come together across Europe, learn from each other and develop a shared view of the future of the scaffolding industry. Visits like this give us the opportunity to exchange knowledge and see how different countries are developing training, skills and the next generation of scaffolders.” 

The visit highlighted the strong collaboration between employers, training providers and industry bodies in addressing skills needs within the scaffolding sector. By connecting apprentices with high-quality workplace learning and industry-recognised training, Total People continues to support employers in developing a skilled and sustainable workforce for the future. 

As demand for skilled scaffolders continues to grow across the UK and Europe, the visit demonstrated how apprenticeship programmes can play a vital role in attracting new talent, developing practical expertise and maintaining the highest standards across the industry.