Scaffolders put up and take down platforms (scaffold) that allow construction workers to get to the higher levels of buildings, during building or renovation work.

Scaffolders' work can range from putting up a scaffold around a house for a for re-roofing job, through to large-scale construction on new commercial developments, external cleaning of office blocks, and repair of historical monuments. They also use scaffolding techniques to erect permanent or semi-permanent structures for public events, such as spectator stands, stages and gantries.

Scaffolders also build the scaffold around formwork and shuttering thats holds setting concrete in place on large structures, like bridges. This is known as falsework. They remove the falsework scaffold once the concrete has set.

All scaffolders work in teams and to strict safety standards. They use a variety of hand tools and safety equipment, including swivel spanners, spirit-levels, harnesses and hoists. 

Hours and Environment

Scaffolders work 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

As a scaffolder, you will be working at heights and in all weather conditions. Your work will involve a lot of climbing, and carrying and lifting of heavy equipment. It is a physically demanding job.

You travel from site to site and some jobs may involve working away from home for periods of time.

Skills and Interests

To be a scaffolder you need:

• the ability to follow instructions and plans carefully and accurately
• a good sense of balance and good hand-to-eye coordination
• to be agile and physically fit
• to enjoy working outdoors and be comfortable working at heights
• the ability to work as part of a team
• an awareness of health and safety issues.

Entry

You do not need any set entry requirements for this work, but employers tend to want people with some on-site experience. If you have not worked in construction before, then you may want to consider working as a labourer to gain site experience.

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme with a scaffolding or building firm. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To be eligible for an apprenticeship scheme, you may need some GCSEs (A-E)/S grades (1-5) in maths, English, science and technology, or equivalent vocational qualifications, like the Edexcel Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction.

If you are not eligible for the apprenticeship schemes, you may have the option to take an Intermediate Construction Award (Accessing Operations and Rigging - Scaffolding Route) at a further education college. Check with ConstructionSkills and local colleges for details.

A driving licence will be helpful, although not essential.

Training

As a trainee scaffolder, you work towards a joint qualification under the Construction Industry Scaffolders’ Record (card) Scheme (CISRS) and NVQ/SVQ Accessing Operations and Rigging at levels 1 to 3.

There are two schemes available, leading to the joint qualification and Basic Card:

Scheme A – involves a combination of on-site working with several two- to three-week block releases to a CITB training centre. You are assessed for NVQ Level 2 at around 24 months and awarded the Basic Card.

Scheme B – is 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.

To obtain the Advanced Card, you will need a Basic Card and 12 months’ experience beyond the initial training outlined above, two weeks’ advanced training or be assessed for eligibility, and hold the NVQ Level 3.

If you already have five years’ practical scaffolding experience, a one-week assessment and NVQ Level 2 leads to the Basic Card. If you have five years’ experience and already have the Basic Card, you just need a one-week advanced assessment and NVQ Level 3 to qualify for the Advanced Card.

You can 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 in Further Information.

Opportunities

As a scaffolder, 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 can move into supervisory, estimating or construction management roles. If you take some training in computer-aided design (CAD) skills, you could move into project design and planning. There are also opportunities to become self-employed.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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 will supplement income, while self-employed scaffolders negotiate their own rates.

Further information

Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577 Carthusian Court
12 Carthusian St
London
EC1M 6EZ
Tel: 020 7397 8120