Scaffolder job

Technician working with scaffolding

Scaffolders are responsible for the erection and dismantling of temporary metal scaffolding on constructions and construction sites. This enables other workers to do their tasks safely while working at heights. Scaffolding may be erected by scaffolders all around a structure, as well as on the inside of a building that is undergoing construction, refurbishment, or destruction.

The steps required to become a scaffolder

Although being a scaffolder does not need any specific degrees or certifications, there are a few different educational paths that might be taken to prepare one for this line of work. You may attend college, participate in an apprenticeship, or submit your resume and cover letter to a potential company directly.

You need to investigate each of these ways to become a scaffolder so that you may choose the path that is most suitable for you. Even while some of these opportunities call for certain qualifications, many businesses are more interested in hiring individuals who have a positive attitude, are ready to learn new things, and are able to follow directions.

If you want to work on a construction site, you may be required to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

College or other educational provider

Even though there are no hard and fast admission criteria, those who are interested in a career as a scaffolder would do well to get GCSEs (or certificates that are similar) in both English and mathematics.

To get started on the road to becoming a scaffolder, you can consider earning a Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or a Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations. Both of these certificates are entry-level credentials in the construction industry.

You'll need:

Up to 2 GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent (level 1 course)

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent (level 2 course).

Apprenticeship

Beginning your career in the building trade with an internship or apprenticeship is recommended.

You have the option of applying for an intermediate scaffolder apprenticeship with a firm that specializes in construction or scaffolding. This apprenticeship will last for a period of 18 months.

A minimum of two to three General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) passes or their international equivalent is required for entry into an intermediate apprenticeship.

In addition, it is possible to become a scaffolder by completing a training program that lasts for 11 weeks and is performed on a part-time basis over the course of two years.

Apprenticeships are available to anybody over the age of 16 who meets the requirements. You will be considered a full-time employee of the firm you apprentice for, and you will be required to put in a minimum of thirty hours of labor each week. Your time will be divided between getting experience on the job and attending school or working with a training provider.

Work

If you have past experience working on-site, you may want to consider applying for a position as a scaffolder or construction laborer by submitting your application directly to an employer. This would offer you with the chance to improve your talents under the guidance of more experienced members of the team, and your employer may provide training to assist you grow if you take advantage of this opportunity.

Practice in the workplace

To be successful in finding a job in the construction sector, you need to have previous work experience. You may be able to acquire this knowledge via education, or by working weekends and holidays for a firm or a family who is employed in the scaffolding industry. On a resume, previous job experience is always going to be something that prospective employers find very appealing.

Skills

Abilities such as the following are desirable for a scaffolder:

Capability to operate unafraid in elevated positions

Outstanding synchronization of the hands and eyes

Maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness

Consciousness towards matters of health and safety

Capacity for comprehension of technical drawings and plans

Strong communication abilities both orally and in writing.

What does a scaffolder do?

Because so many construction teams need access through scaffolds, rigs, guard rails, and planks in order to carry out building or restoration work, scaffolders are an essential part of the construction industry.

Scaffolders are responsible for the following responsibilities:

Scaffolding equipment unloading at the construction site

Providing a solid foundation for the scaffolding

Putting up the poles of the scaffolding

The attachment of scaffolding to buildings or other structures

Workers laying down boards for others to walk on.

Putting in place new protective railings and nets

When a job is over, the scaffolding must be dismantled.

Putting up a variety of platforms, ranging from simple scaffolding to more complicated constructions like suspended scaffolding, cantilever drops, and temporary roofs.

Working outside in any kind of weather.

How much money would you make working on scaffolding?

The amount of money you may anticipate to make as a scaffolder depends on how much experience you have.

Scaffolders with little to no experience may expect to earn between £19,000 and $25,000.

Scaffolders who have some experience and training may make between £25,000 and £40,000 a year.

Senior scaffolders may make between 40,000 and 50,000 pounds per year*.

Scaffolders who work for themselves choose their own compensation rates.

Both your hours and your pay are determined by your location, your company, and any overtime that you put in.