ScaffMag The Scaffolding Magazine Issue 4

SPOTLIGHT

Scaffolder with Down’s Syndrome Building An Inspirational Future I

nspiration constructs itself in many forms. And there can’t many greater than the case of 29-year-old trainee scaffolder, Todd Scanlon from Coles Scaffolding in Wiltshire, who’s causing quite a stir (and receiving wonderful support from all quarters of the industry), because this effervescent role model hasn’t let Down’s Syndrome get in the way of his scaffolding career. Managing Director Martyn Coles explained: “I came to employ Todd, as he’s been asking for years to work with me. So I said come on... we are here to break the rubbish stigma around Down’s Syndrome. He does all the same tasks as all of us, his family are so proud of him and he’s an amazing person.”

Professional Approach

Todd currently only works part-time for the company and an extra couple of hours at the yard, helping Martyn with pricing. He’s fully aware of all the health and safety aspects on all jobs and wears all the appropriate kit. In terms of receiving guidance and advice from both staff and fellow scaffolders, he’s proven to be a wonderful example of how to get it right. In fact, he’s now very much an essential part of the furniture at the family-run company.

What is Down’s Syndrome? Also known as trisomy 21, Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition typically causing a level of learning disability together with several physical characteristics. The average IQ of a young adult with Down’s Syndrome is 50 – equivalent to the mental ability of an eight or

9-year-old child, but this can vary. Many individuals can be remarkably insightful when it comes to understanding the world around them.

First Class Approach Martyn added: “Todd takes to tasks like the rest of us. He has been with us 12 weeks and has gradually improved day to day. All our customers have taken to him tremendously as he has such a great personality. He’s polite, on time and punctual. I have personally contacted CITB to see how we can help him with training moving forward. Todd has been a friend of mine for years and we go on holidays every year.” Coles pride themselves on being fast, reliable and compliant, whilst all their staff are friendly and polite offering a 24-hour quality service. They’ve also

30 | Autumn 2018

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ScaffMag The Scaffolding Magazine Issue 4

Published on Nov 14, 2018

ScaffMag

The Autumn 2018 issue of ScaffMag's digital magazine features an array of fantastic industry related articles. In this, the largest issue of ScaffMag to date we ask 'are imported scaffolding materials safe to use? after a recent safety alert was issued. We also find out in the form of an exclusive interview on how the new HAKI CEO Thomas Schuller aims to steer the global manufacturing company into the future. In addition to our regular informative sections, Andrew Kitley gives us his opinion on the benefits of joining a trade association and answers the question ‘what’s the point of them’? Furthermore, the relatively new trade body the Scaffolding Association has seen huge success in attracting new members over the last five years. Now boasting becoming the largest representative body, we ask The Scaffolding Association’s Chief Executive Robert Candy how much influence do they really have on the trade? And what developments can we expect to see in the coming months?