Training body CITB-ConstructionSkills is taking part in a European-wide initiative to improve scaffolding training, it has emerged six weeks after the fatal collapse at Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire CITB-ConstructionSkills and training centre the National Construction College are working alongside European training bodies in the European Union-funded Euroscaffolder project. This aims to raise safety and competency standards by creating a basic standard of training across the EU.

The initiative emerged six weeks after construction worker John Robinson was killed when 15 floors of scaffolding collapsed on the Jurys Inn project in Milton Keynes. The Health and Safety Executive is still investigating the incident, but since the collapse union representatives have expressed concern at the lack of universally applicable training standards.

Barry English, CITB-ConstructionSkills co-ordinator, said: "We have taken a lead role in this project, working alongside the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation in the UK and other organisations from across Europe.

"We are now in the process of using best practice examples to develop three modules that will provide a basic standard of training for scaffolder erectors, scaffolder users and site managers."

We want to provide a basic standard of training for scaffolders

CITB co-ordinator Barry English

The Euroscaffolder qualification will not replace other standards in the UK but will be used alongside. It is aimed especially at countries that have no qualifications. It will enable workers to demonstrate a minimum level of training and competence when in other EU countries.