If you want to maximise your earning potential as a scaffolder, you should consider completing the Advanced Scaffolder training course. As a scaffolder, the more highly skilled that you are, the more that you may be able to earn. Therefore, paying to take one of these courses could be considered to be a sound investment.

What is an Advanced Scaffolder Training?

Completing Advanced Scaffolder training (and associated components) will allow you to apply for a CISRS Gold Card. This will enable you to work on more complex scaffolding structures. You will also be able to complete additional administrative elements relating to the construction and use of advanced scaffolding types. Having this card will give you more prospects and increase your earning potential.

What are the entry requirements for Advanced Scaffolder Training?

To apply to begin your Advanced Scaffolder Training, you are required to complete your Green, Red and Blue card training.

A Green card is the most basic level of CISRS training. To get your Green card you must pass two basic Health and Safety modules. Trainees may then do Part One of the Scaffolding – Tube and Fitting or System Scaffold Course to enable them to upgrade to a Red card. Lastly, the applicant may attempt to upgrade to a Blue card.

To apply for a Blue card, the applicant must have 6 months of site experience after passing their Scaffolding – Tube and Fitting or System Scaffold part one. They must then do Part Two of the Scaffolding – Tube and Fitting or System Scaffold Course. Once this is completed they should gain another six months of experience and do an NVQ Level 2 Site Diary for Assessment and be Assessed and Internally Verified.

The last component which is needed to allow the applicant to get a Blue card is the 1 day CISRS Practical Skills Match course. Once the candidate has held their Basic Scaffolder (Blue) Card for a full 12 months, they will be able to apply to start working towards their Advanced Scaffolder (Gold) Card.

What is involved in Obtaining the Advanced Scaffolder (Gold) Card?

The first additional aspect of training is the CISRS Advanced Scaffolding Training Course. This course is a 10 day course and prices start from £1025. Costs can vary depending on when and where the training is completed. Some applicants may be eligible to receive a grant to support them with the costs of training.

The course covers the erection and removal of more complex scaffold structures, such as cantilever drop scaffold, staircase and ramp structures, two-way shores and tubular drop work. It also covers additional regulations that Advanced Scaffolders need to understand. During the training, students will also learn more about producing, understanding and using risk assessments to mitigate risk and protect the safety of others onsite.

There will be additional information about the use of scale rules and scale drawings in scaffold work. There is a final course assessment at the end of the 10 day course which involves written and practical components. Candidates must pass these assessments in order to gain the necessary qualification.

Once this course has been completed, Gold card applicants must also gain another 6 months of site experience, during which they will complete an NVQ Level 3 Site Diary and be Assessed and Internally Verified.

The final component that those applying for a Gold Card must complete is the 2 day Advanced Level 3 CISRS Practical Skills Assessement and Match. During this course, the applicant will be assessed for their ability to correctly interpret instructions and information which is given to them; to produce methods statements and materials lists; to carefully select and check components; to successfully erect and dismantle complex scaffolding structures; and to use risk assessments and method statements properly.

What Next?

Once an applicant has got their Gold card, they will be able to work on a wide range of jobs, and they may be able to earn more money. There are also other training options available for Advanced Scaffolders who wish to continue to enhance their skills set and progress their careers. One of the most common routes available is to pursue more training down the Scaffolding Supervisor route. This route allows candidates to learn management skills.