Job Description

A scaffolder will assemble and take down scaffolding on building sites, or existing buildings which are in need of renovation or cleaning, this allows other workers to reach higher levels safely.

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could do a course in a general Construction course. This will teach you some of the skills needed for this job.

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
• 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) including English and/or maths for a Level 3

The following local colleges offer courses in Construction:

• City College Norwich
• The College of West Anglia
• West Suffolk College

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course.

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.

You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Work

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

Career tips

Previous experience as a construction site labourer may be helpful when looking for work. You'll need to be able to cope with working at height and have a good level of fitness.

You'll need a Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) safety card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site.

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

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could become a scaffolding gang supervisor. You could also become a scaffolding designer or construction manager, or set up your own business.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Construction Labourer
• Steeplejack

Required Skills

You will need to:

• have a head for heights
• be very safety conscious
• work well as part of a team
• be physically fit
• be very accurate in your work

Salary Range

£14,000 to £30,000