Independent Scaffolding Services Ltd (ISSL) has grown steadily since 1995, evolving from a labour-only provider to delivering full contract packages for Sandwell Council and beyond. With a strong focus on training and employing local talent, the company demonstrates a long-standing commitment to social value and skills development.
Investing in local people and long-term careers
Michael Wragg, Senior Social Value Officer, said:
“Sandwell’s Social Value Team have recognised over many years that ISSL enables local learners to work towards and complete qualifications and then remain in employment with them afterwards in a financially rewarding career.”
“Recently I visited various sites across Sandwell and Birmingham to meet some of the most recent learners and speak to them about the impact this is having on their lives. The feedback was really positive, and they are enjoying being able to learn and progress towards recognised qualifications.”
The most recent apprentices and learners are:
- Jake P – Dudley Port – started 06/05/2025
- Charlie S – West Brom – started 24/02/2025
- Chris R – Oldbury – started 04/11/2024
- Jak R – Wednesbury – started 07/10/2024
- Jack S – Bilston – started 18/03/2024
- William W & James W – Gornal – started 15/01/2024
- Dan J – Cradley Heath – started 05/06/2023 – recently qualified and continues employment with ISSL
Progression and retention:
ISSL has a proven track record of retaining staff long after their apprenticeship ends. A standout example is Jacob O, who joined through the Sandwell Guarantee scheme in November 2017, completed his apprenticeship, and 7½ years later, is still with the company.
Other long-serving or progressing staff include:
- Gareth E – 04/08/2014 – Wolverhampton (now advanced scaffolder; assessment due this year)
- Tommy S – 18/02/2020 – Cradley Heath (completed apprenticeship, now scaffold card holder)
- Daniel M – 01/03/2021 – Wolverhampton (trained to Part 2, scaffold card obtained)
- Mitchell C – 23/05/2022 – Wednesbury (trained to advanced level, gold scaffold card)
- Ben P – 16/07/2022 – Bloxwich (awaiting end-point assessment)
- Sam F – 25/07/2022 – Cannock (NVQ ongoing, assessment due later this year)
- Joshua W – 15/02/2023 – Gornal (trained to Part 1, Part 2 training planned)
- Brody H – 09/02/2024 – Tipton (trained to Part 2, NVQ ongoing)
- Ross T – 27/08/2024 – Tipton (trained to Part 1, Part 2 planned next year)
Alternative routes and inclusive training
ISSL recognises that the traditional apprenticeship route doesn’t suit everyone. Despite higher costs, they’ve supported several individuals via a trainee scaffolding labourer route, helping them achieve the full Scaffolding Card through structured assessment and training.
Stuart Slater, ISSL Director, said:
“Scaffolding is a great career for young people who want to earn while they learn, working outdoors, and be part of something big. Hands-on building structures with qualifications that can lead to well-paying jobs. Working as part of a crew and seeing the results of your efforts at the end of the day scaffolding could be the perfect fit.”
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