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CITB urges offshore workers to start career in construction
Nicky Roger Associate editor
Working at height is one of the transferable skills the CITB says offshore workers can bring to construction. Image: Kiattisak Chaisamutr, Dreamstime.com
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is calling on offshore workers to consider a career in construction, citing the amount of transferable skills and the funding and training available.
Workers in the North Sea energy sector already bring skills that align closely with construction requirements, the board says, including strong safety cultures, experience of working at height, inspection processes and disciplined site working practices.
As an example, the CITB highlights the significant and growing demand for skilled scaffolders – CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook forecasts nearly 1,400 are needed across the UK by 2029.
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In Scotland, where employers continue to report recruitment challenges, CITB is supporting access to training through a £200 discount on the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) Scaffolding Part 1: Tube and Fitting Scaffold course at the National Construction College (NCC) Scotland in Inchinnan.
CITB is also working with industry to support both those entering construction for the first time and experienced workers looking to retrain or upskill. This includes high-quality, accredited scaffolding training delivered through its NCC network, aligned to CISRS standards and designed to support entry, progression and career development.
Transferable skills
Robert Stephenson, access instructor at CITB, said: “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.”
For the 2026/27 financial year, CITB funding for scaffolding training remains available across all NCC sites, alongside ongoing grant support for employers.
