Day in the life of a Scaffolder- Steve Kearney

My dad was a scaffolder and I wanted to be like him.

As above – I decided to become a scaffolder when I was in primary school.

7:30 AM

Office based, replying to queries on the phone or by email, helping the committee write NASC guidance. Attending various meetings in person or online.

Now working at the NASC, the pace might have slowed a little from being on site, but the expectations and quality required is higher than ever. Reviewing guidance documents, answering queries from people across the industry, and supporting the wider Technical team keep me busy. The detailed nature of the work, along with the various ad-hoc projects undertaken, certainly make this the most interesting job I’ve ever had.

As above.

Typically working on my own.

I enjoyed the graft, working hard, and erecting scaffolding, as well as the camaraderie and banter. 

Too many, mostly in London – Tower Bridge, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Bank of England (City of London), Mansion House but there were so many. My favourite memory is touching the top of Big Ben. Many memories of working like a piggy, and laughing so much with the banter that it hurt my sides.

Seeing people get injured. None of the lads directly working for me had any serious accidents, but I’ve witnessed fatalities and serious injuries and it stays with you a long time.

Keep busy.

Soft skills.

Many CISRS courses, and I still retain my Advanced Scaffolder Card. 
I also did a university degree and masters on English Literature part time at Kingston University while working as a scaffolder, and I’m also a chartered H&S professional. 
 

Focus on your career development throughout, work hard but also work productively – look for ways to be efficient.

As above for young people and career changers.

Tough but fun. I love the industry.