At SIMIAN, we’re proud to support professionals from all backgrounds as they expand their construction knowledge and confidence in scaffolding safety. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Anya, a Waltham Forest resident and Social Value Manager, to our London Academy of Sustainable Construction (LASC) for the COTS (CISRS Operative Training Scheme) course.

For Anya, who oversees social value projects and occasionally visits construction sites, gaining a practical understanding of construction and site safety was key to her professional development and her ability to connect more effectively with site teams.

In her role as a Social Value Manager, Anya is responsible for ensuring that community benefits are realized in the projects her organization undertakes, from generating local employment to promoting sustainable practices. Part of her job involves visiting sites to monitor progress and engage with site workers, contractors, and the community. Without a construction background, however, she felt there was a gap in her knowledge. She wanted to better understand the technical side of site practices, specifically scaffolding and construction safety, so she could communicate confidently with site teams and add real value to the projects she oversees.

After researching local options, Anya chose SIMIAN LASC to undertake her COTS course, which offers a comprehensive introduction to scaffolding, with the emphasis on safe practices, that would assist her in her field visits.

Reflecting on her time at SIMIAN LASC, Anya shared how impactful the course was, especially thanks to her instructor, Ian:

Thank you so much for the training with Ian. He is a very good teacher, patient and enthusiastic. Predictably, I was the only woman in his class. He did a very good job to make me feel at ease. From attending the course, my confidence has grown as I understand the procedures and protocols on site, which will help me to prepare better quality reports on social value.

Whether you’re a Social Value Manager like Anya or a new entrant to the construction industry, SIMIAN’s COTS course offers a practical and accessible introduction to scaffolding that can support a wide range of professional goals.

To find out more about our COTS Courses, click here.