Scaffolder

Alternative titles for this job include

Scaffolders put up scaffolding on buildings and structures to let other workers do their jobs safely.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

43 to 45 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a scaffolder

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You could start by taking a college course like a Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Construction Operations.

This will teach you some of the skills you'll need to get a trainee position with a company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can train through a scaffolder intermediate apprenticeship.

This will usually take 18 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could join a company as a trainee scaffolder or scaffolding labourer, and get qualifications on the job. Employers will look for a good general standard of education. GCSEs in maths, English, and design and technology can be useful, although not always essential.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

Experience as a construction site labourer may be helpful when looking for work.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a scaffolder from Go Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height
  • have a good level of fitness

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

On a job, you will:

  • unload scaffolding from a lorry
  • create a stable base on the ground
  • put up scaffolding poles and attach horizontal tubes to them
  • fix scaffolding to a building
  • lay planks across scaffolding for workers to walk on
  • fix guard rails and safety nets
  • check the scaffold is secure before handing over
  • take down scaffolding at the end of a job

Working environment

You could work on a demolition site, at a client's business or on a construction site.

Your working environment may be at height, dirty, outdoors in all weathers, physically demanding and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could be a scaffolding gang supervisor. You could also become a scaffolding designer, a site safety inspector or construction manager. With further training, you could work in other areas of construction.

You might also set up your own business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Scaffolder

  • Wage: £8,236.80 Annually
  • Location: Stockton-On-Tees

Scaffold Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: Oak Street Trading Estate, Quarry Bank, Brierley Hill

Courses In England

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Jobs In the United Kingdom

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