Scaffolder
Career outlook for scaffolder
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£19,000
£19,000
Experienced
£40,000
£40,000
Currently employed in Scotland
2,500
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it 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.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
83%
Part-time
4%
Self employed
13%
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- Resilience
- Cooperating
- Resourceful
- Problem solving
- Managing resources
- Risk taking
- Taking initiative
- Time management
- Reliable
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Qualifications
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.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Technologies subjects
You will also need
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.
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that show practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5) may be of value.