The scaffold academy is located at Yanbu in purpose-built premises of 1,800m2 within a functioning scaffold yard.

The yard at Yanbu handles an average of 80 tons of product per day and spans an area of 16,000m2.

In the past, opportunities for Saudi nationals to train in scaffolding have been limited.

Therefore many missed the opportunity to embark upon an exciting career in construction operations. This has led to a notable skills gap in the national workforce and one that Harsco Baroom is addressing in the new venture.

Regrettably, shortcuts in safety in construction are far too common and have dangerous consequences. Harsco Baroom is recognized for strict adherence to safe working practices and is determined to raise the standard.

“The scaffold academy is an investment in the long-term future of the Kingdom. It addresses a gap in safe working practices in the construction sector, which is very serious. Importantly, this will stimulate our economy by creating new jobs,” said Hassan Baroom, chairman of Harsco Baroom.

Some of the first men to complete the early section were specially selected to train as future supervisors. But this is only the first step in their career and they will gain several more years of solid practical experience before they can become a Harsco supervisor.

“We expect a supervisor to embody the qualities of integrity, leadership, technical ability and tenacity,” said Cameron Ellis, contracts manager of Harsco Baroom.

“We are pleased with way that the students have performed when they reach the project sites. They have set a high standard which we expect to be sustained,” said Vince Porter, country manager, Harsco Baroom.