Scaffolder
What is the work like?
Scaffolders put up and take down scaffolding bays that allow workers to reach the higher levels of buildings during construction, cleaning and renovation projects. Scaffolders work on a wide range of jobs, ranging from domestic households (often for re-roofing) through to large-scale commercial developments and the repair of historical monuments.
As a scaffolder, you would work in a small team and to strict safety standards. You would use a variety of hand tools and safety equipment to erect scaffolding, including swivel spanners, spirit-levels, harnesses and hoists.
On a typical job, your duties would include:
- unloading scaffolding equipment at the site
- setting base plates on the ground at regular intervals (these stop the upright poles slipping)
- putting up the scaffolding poles (standards) and attaching the horizontal tubes (ledgers) to them with couples
- fixing the scaffolding to the building or structure to make it more stable, using short 'tie tubes'
- laying planks (battens) across the scaffolding for workers to walk on
- fixing guard rails and safety netting
- taking down the scaffolding after a job is finished.
You might use scaffolding methods to put up temporary spectator stands, stages or gantries at public events. You could also build the scaffold around the formwork and shuttering thats holds setting concrete in place on large structures like bridges. This is known as falsework.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any formal qualifications to get into scaffolding, but employers tend to want people with some on-site experience. If you have not worked in construction before, then you could look for work as a labourer to gain some site experience.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a scaffolding or building firm. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship scheme, you may need some GCSEs (A-E) in maths, English, science and technology, or equivalent qualifications, like the Edexcel Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction.
Alternatively, you could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job. Courses include the Intermediate Construction Award (Accessing Operations and Rigging - Scaffolding Route). Check with ConstructionSkills and your local colleges for more details about courses.
It could be helpful if you have a driving licence, although it is not essential.
What further training and development can I do?
As a trainee scaffolder, you would work towards a joint qualification under the Construction Industry Scaffolders’ Record Scheme (CISRS card scheme) and NVQ Accessing Operations and Rigging at levels 1 to 3. The CISRS card allows you to work on site.
There are two schemes available, leading to the joint qualification and the Basic Card:
Scheme A – where you combine on-site working with several two- to three-week block training placements at a ConstructionSkills training centre. You would be assessed for NVQ Level 2 at around 24 months and be awarded the Basic Card.
Scheme B – you take a 42-week, full-time residential course (28 weeks in year one and 14 weeks in year two) at the National Construction College, Bircham Newton, Norfolk. This also includes on-site work experience and leads to the Basic Card and NVQ Level 2.
Once you have the Basic Card and 12 months’ experience beyond the initial training outlined above, you could take a further two weeks’ training to gain the NVQ Level 3 and the Advanced card.
You could also take short training courses in pre-fabricated scaffolding systems, which some companies use instead of the traditional poles and tubes.
For details about all training schemes and providers, contact ConstructionSkills and the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).
Where can I go for more information?
Carthusian Court12 Carthusian St
London
EC1M 6EZ
Tel: 020 7397 8120
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- For trainees, depending on the stage of training, salaries go up to £13,000.
- With qualifications, scaffolders can earn between £16,000 and £25,000 a year.
Overtime and shift allowances can increase income, while self-employed scaffolders negotiate their own rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
You would work at heights and in all weather conditions. The job would normally involve a lot of climbing, and carrying and lifting heavy equipment. This is a physically demanding job.
You would travel from site to site to set up or take down scaffolding, and some jobs may involve working away from home at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to follow instructions and plans carefully and accurately
- a good sense of balance
- good hand-to-eye coordination
- agility and a good fitness levels
- a good head for heights
- the ability to work as part of a team
- an understanding of the importance of safe working practices.
What opportunities are there?
You can work for specialist scaffolding firms, building contractors, and oil and power companies. Opportunities are good at the moment with skilled workers in demand.
With experience, you could move into supervisory, estimating or construction management jobs. If you take some training in computer aided design (CAD), you could move into project design and planning. You would also have the opportunity to become self-employed.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
NASC (directory of scaffolding companies)
bConstructive
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
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