Scaffolders build and dismantle temporary metal scaffolding on building sites so that others may work securely at heights. In addition, scaffolders may install, renovate, or destroy scaffolding around a structure or inside a building.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- 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.
Salary
- Apprentice scaffolders can earn £19,000 – £25,000
- Trained scaffolders with some experience can earn £25,000 – £40,000
- Senior scaffolders can earn £40,000 – £50,000
- Self-employed scaffolders set their own pay rates.
Working hours
You will typically work 43 to 45 hours per week, sometimes working away at weekends.
Working environment
You might work on a building site, a demolition site, or at a client’s company.
Your working environment may be dangerous, unsanitary, outdoors in all weather conditions, physically demanding, and need frequent travel.
Wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment may be essential.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice scaffolder include:
- Level 2 Scaffolder – Entry requirements for this level include some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship. This qualification takes 18 months to complete.
Skills
On a scaffolding apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- 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
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
Career path and progression
With further experience you may supervise a scaffolding team. You might also work as a scaffolding designer, a job site safety inspector, or a construction manager. With further training, you might work in a variety of construction fields.
You might also start your own company.