Scaffolder
What do Scaffolders do?
Scaffolders are labourers that construct the scaffolding for civil structures to ensure the safety of employees and contractors. They are very important for employees who must work at height on building sites.
Typical duties and responsibilities of a Scaffolder
- Loading or unloading of scaffold
- Making ground structures
- Installing vertical poles to ground structures
- Securing scaffold to a building
- Create footpaths for workers
- Installing safety features such as safety nets
- Conduct safety tests to ensure employee safety
- Disable any scaffolding after the completion of a building project
Skills and knowledge required to be a Scaffolder
Typically, there are no GCSE requirements for becoming a scaffolder but typically basic maths and English are required. The typical skills required to become a scaffolder are:
- Being able to work at heights
- Having good physical coordination
- Being fit and healthy
- Able to understand engineering drawings
- Good English skills (written and spoken)
How do I become a Scaffolder?
Apprenticeship
The most common route into becoming a fully certified scaffolder is via an apprenticeship. Levels can vary, but entry requirements start from 2-3 GCSEs along with other skills. Related sixth form courses in construction can also be useful in improving your chances of successfully securing a place on an apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone above the age of 16. It usually takes around 18 months to become an intermediate scaffolder. The successful candidates are expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week, alongside classroom-based instruction. The most common schemes incudes an 11-week training programme, which can also be completed part-time in approximately 2 years.
Work Experience
Another rote to becoming a fully qualified and certified scaffolder is to use work experience; this will help when trying to secure permanent work. Its possible to get scaffolding experience with construction companies after turning 16 years old; many also manage to secure relevant experience via by working for family or friends in the scaffolding or construction trade.
