Scaffolder
Put up scaffolding to help workers to reach the top parts of buildings during construction, cleaning or renovation.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£365
Entry level
£769
Experienced
Monthly
£1,583
Entry level
£3,333
Experienced
Yearly
£19,000
Entry level
£40,000
Experienced
2,400
people are currently employed
Low growth
No change in number of jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would put up scaffolding to help workers to reach the top parts of buildings during construction, cleaning or renovation. You would be part of a small team.
This job comes with a lot of responsibility, as the other workers would rely on you to make sure the scaffolding is completely safe for them to use.
You would:
Unload scaffolding equipment at the site
Set base plates on the ground to stop the upright poles slipping
Put up the scaffolding poles and attach the horizontal tubes to them
Fix the scaffolding to the building to make it more stable
Lay planks across the scaffolding for workers to walk on
Fix guard rails and safety netting
Take down the scaffolding after the job is finished
You might also 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 that holds setting concrete in place on large structures like bridges.
An understanding of safe working practices would be important when doing this job.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- reliable
- time management
- taking initiative
- risk taking
- managing resources
- problem solving
- resourceful
- cooperating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
You would do Modern Apprenticeship which includes the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), the nationally-recognised training scheme for scaffolding.
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this apprenticeship but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. You may need to pass an aptitude test to start an apprenticeship.
Qualifications and experience that show practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5) may be of value.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to train or work on construction sites.
A driving licence may be required for some jobs.
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