Scaffolding is a very important part of the building industry, because it allows workers to safely reach higher levels more easily. It is mainly used in construction work, although it is also used in cleaning, renovation and restoration projects. Scaffold was even used during extensive artistic projects such as the painting of the Sistine Chapel. Because there are still so many uses for good scaffolding, scaffolders are in constant demand.

If you’re considering a career as a scaffolder the following advice should be beneficial.

What does a Scaffolder do?

Senior scaffolders may first work with the building foreman or surveyor to assess the suitability of the site for scaffolding and suggest any necessary changes which need to be made to meet healthy and safety regulations. As a junior scaffolder, your first task will normally involve unloading all of the necessary scaffolding equipment at the site.

Base plates are the first pieces to be put down (at regular intervals). These distribute the weight of the scaffold across a slightly larger area and they stop the upright poles from slipping or sinking into the ground. Once the base plates are down, you will work to couple the standards (vertical poles) and the ledgers (horizontal tubes) together to create the desired scaffold structure. This structure must then be attached to the building or other structure to make it more stable.

Once the bare bones of the scaffolding are in place, boards need to be put down for the workers to walk on. Safety netting and guard rails also need to be put up to ensure that the workers are safe whilst they are using the scaffold, and anybody below are safe from hazards above. You will also be expected to take scaffold down again once the project has been completed.

If you are interested in becoming a scaffolder by trade, then you need to be prepared to do all these tasks, and you must understand the importance of doing these tasks well. Poor technique could put yourself and others in danger.

Skills

If you want to become a successful scaffolder, you should have the following qualities, skills and interests:

• You must be able to accurately follow plans and instructions.
• You should have practical skills, and good hand-eye coordination.
• You must be able to keep calm and work well at height.
• You should be healthy, fit and able to lift heavier loads.
• You should understand the need for health and safety regulations, and be able to follow this legislation.
• You must be able to work well as part of a team.

Entry Requirements

Trainee scaffolders can normally enter the trade once they are 16 and have finished fulltime education. Many companies will ask for GCSEs in Maths, English and Design Technology, as these show that the applicant is able to follow instructions whilst understanding the design principles of scaffolding. However, many other employers are willing to take on young workers without qualifications if they are sure that they have all of the necessary skills.

Previous experience on a construction site can be helpful for people who do not have other qualifications. It may also be possible to get into scaffolding by completing a Construction Specialist Apprenticeship. During an apprenticeship you will do on the job training as well as classroom based modules.

Development

Once you are in the trade, you will begin to develop your skills and start earning a scaffolders wage. The first thing that you will be expected to do is the New Entrant Trainee and Scaffolding Labourer course (COTS). This course is only 1 day long, but it teaches basic safety skills which are essential for site work.

You will also need to do the CITB health and safety test. When you have both of these qualifications, you may apply for your Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme card (CISRS). This verifies to all future employers that you are able to work on a site safely. Most employers require workers to have this card so that they meet health and safety regulations. After this, you will continue with on the job training and off-site training with approved providers. It is also possible to earn qualifications, such as a Level 2 Diploma in Scaffolding.