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- Put up and take down scaffolding, to allow workers to reach higher levels
- You'll need practical skills, the ability to follow instructions and plans
- You could become a supervisor or set up your own business
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- 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
- Take down scaffolding after a job
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll work outside in all weathers and at height. The work involves climbing and lifting heavy equipment. You'll wear a safety helmet, protective footwear and a safety harness. You'll travel from site to site and may need to stay overnight.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with good practical skills, the ability to follow instructions and plans and enjoys working outside and with their hands.
There are no set entry requirements, 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.
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 could do a Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Construction Operations which will teach you some of the skills needed for this job.
You'll need a Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) safety card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site.
CAREER PROSPECTS
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.