Scaffolder

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

Entry requirements:

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:

• 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

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:

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

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• 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
• sensitivity and understanding
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• leadership skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• customer service skills
• active listening skills

What you'll do:

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

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

Location : You could work on a demolition site, at a client's business or on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height, dirty, outdoors in all weathers, physically demanding and you'll travel often.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

43 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm away from home

Career Path:

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.