A Scaffolder plays a crucial role in the construction industry by erecting, altering, and dismantling temporary metal structures (scaffolding) that allow workers to safely access all parts of a building or structure. This isn't just about putting poles together; it requires precise planning, adherence to strict health and safety regulations, and a strong understanding of different scaffolding systems. You'll work outdoors in all weather conditions, often at heights, and need to be physically fit, have excellent balance, and a keen eye for detail to ensure the stability and safety of the structures. Scaffolders typically gain qualifications through schemes like CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme), which is essential for working on most sites in the UK. The day-to-day work involves interpreting design drawings, selecting the right materials (tubes, fittings, boards), safely handling and moving heavy equipment, and meticulously assembling the framework. You'll often work as part of a team, coordinating with other trades and supervisors. The role demands strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to safety. As you gain experience, you might progress to more complex projects, supervisory roles, or specialise in areas like system scaffolding or temporary roof structures.
For experienced Scaffolders in the UK, salaries typically range from around 30,000 to 45,000 per year. Entry-level or trainee positions might start lower, closer to 20,000 to 25,000.
The construction industry in the UK consistently requires skilled scaffolders. While exact figures fluctuate, there's a steady demand, with thousands of jobs advertised annually across various construction sectors, from residential to commercial and infrastructure projects.
Most scaffolders work a standard 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. However, overtime, weekend work, and early starts are common, especially when project deadlines are tight or for specific phases of construction.
Specialises in erecting and dismantling scaffolding to provide safe access for workers on construction sites, ensuring all structures meet safety regulations and design specifications. This role often involves working at height and requires a keen eye for detail and safety consciousness.
Designs and plans temporary structures like scaffolding, falsework, and shoring for construction projects. This role requires an understanding of structural engineering principles, safety standards, and often involves using CAD software to create detailed plans and calculations.
Conducts thorough inspections of erected scaffolding structures to ensure they comply with safety legislation, industry standards (such as TG20:13/21), and design specifications. This role involves identifying defects, recommending corrective actions, and signing off on the safety of structures before they are used.
Start by getting some initial experience in a construction environment, which will familiarise you with site safety, tools, and the general work ethic required.
Many scaffolders begin their careers as 'Labourers' or 'Trainee Scaffolders' on site. This allows you to observe experienced scaffolders, understand the basic operations, and get a feel for the physically demanding nature of the job. Look for entry-level positions with construction companies or scaffolding firms that offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships. You might also consider a college course in construction to build a foundational understanding of the industry.
Undertake the industry-standard Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) Part 1 training to learn fundamental scaffolding skills and safety practices.
The CISRS Part 1 Scaffolder course is essential for anyone wanting to work as a Scaffolder in the UK. This five-day course covers health and safety, components, practical erection and dismantling of basic scaffolds (e.g., independent, putlog, tower, birdcage), and relevant regulations. Upon successful completion, you will receive a CISRS Trainee Scaffolder card, which allows you to work under supervision on a construction site.
After completing your Part 1, you need to gain practical on-site experience working as a Trainee Scaffolder under the guidance of qualified scaffolders.
This practical phase is crucial. You'll need to log a minimum of six months of practical scaffolding experience on-site after completing your CISRS Part 1. During this time, you will be applying the knowledge gained from your course, developing your skills in erecting, altering, and dismantling various types of scaffolding. Your experience needs to be recorded in a CISRS Training and Assessment Logbook.
Progress to the CISRS Part 2 Scaffolder course, building on your foundational knowledge and site experience.
Once you have gained sufficient on-site experience (typically 6 months to 2 years) and your logbook is up to date, you can enrol in the CISRS Part 2 course. This five-day course expands on Part 1, covering more complex scaffolding structures, specific regulations, and advanced techniques. Successful completion leads to a CISRS Scaffolder card, qualifying you to work as a fully qualified scaffolder.
To solidify your Scaffolder status, you'll need to complete a Vocational Qualification (VQ) assessment, often an NVQ Level 2.
The CISRS VQ assessment (often an NVQ Level 2 in Accessing Operations and Rigging Scaffolds/Structures) demonstrates your competence in the workplace. This assessment typically involves an assessor observing you on site and reviewing your portfolio of evidence, ensuring you meet the required industry standards for a qualified scaffolder. This is a crucial step for achieving the full CISRS Scaffolder card.
Apply for your full CISRS Scaffolder card once you have completed Part 1, Part 2, and the VQ assessment.
The CISRS Scaffolder card is your official proof of qualification and competence in the UK scaffolding industry. It is essential for most construction sites. To obtain it, you must have successfully completed your CISRS Part 1 and Part 2 courses, gained the required on-site experience, and passed your VQ assessment. This card needs to be renewed every five years, which typically involves attending a refresher course.
For those looking to take on more complex projects and leadership roles, further training to become an Advanced Scaffolder is the next step.
The CISRS Advanced Scaffolder course (often called Part 3) allows you to erect, alter, and dismantle more intricate and complex scaffolding structures, such as cantilever, drop, and suspended scaffolds, as well as temporary roofs. This training is usually a ten-day course and requires significant experience as a qualified scaffolder. It opens doors to supervising smaller teams and working on larger, more challenging projects.
With extensive experience and advanced qualifications, you can move into supervisory or management roles, overseeing projects and teams.
Once you have your CISRS Advanced Scaffolder card and significant experience, you can progress to roles like 'Scaffolding Supervisor' or 'Chargehand'. These roles involve planning, supervising scaffold erection, ensuring safety compliance, and managing teams of scaffolders. Further certifications like the CISRS Scaffolding Supervisor card are available, which focus on leadership, risk assessment, and effective communication skills.
Consider specialising in particular types of scaffolding or related services to carve out a niche and enhance your expertise.
The scaffolding industry offers various specialisations. You could focus on offshore scaffolding, heritage building work, shoring, or temporary roof systems. Some scaffolders also branch into design, becoming 'Scaffolding Design Engineers' with further academic qualifications. Developing expertise in a niche area can make you highly sought after and potentially lead to higher earning potential. Ongoing professional development and continuous learning are key to staying competitive and safe in this dynamic field.
Similar to scaffolding, a steel erector assembles and installs structural steelwork for buildings, bridges, and other large structures, often working at heights.
Operates heavy lifting equipment, such as tower cranes or mobile cranes, to move materials and equipment on construction sites, often in conjunction with scaffolders and steel erectors.
Installs, repairs, or replaces roofs on buildings. This role also involves working at height, requiring similar safety awareness and physical dexterity to a scaffolder.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Scaffolder. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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You can get into this job through:
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you need to get a trainee or apprenticeship position with a scaffolding or construction company.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do a Scaffolder Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This can take up to 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend some time with a training provider off-site.
You'll usually need:
You can join a company as a trainee scaffolder or scaffolding labourer, and do qualifications on the job.
Employers will look for a good general standard of education. GCSEs in maths, English, science and design and technology can be helpful, though not always essential.
Good communication skills, co-ordination, timekeeping and safety awareness will also be useful.
You may be able to do a skills boot camp training course in scaffolding or construction. This would give you some of the skills needed to apply for a trainee scaffolder or scaffolder's labourer position with a construction company.
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 and the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation.
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