Scaffolder
The Work
Scaffolders erect and dismantle working platforms which allow construction workers access to higher levels on existing buildings and structures during renovation or maintenance work, and to upper levels on new-build projects.
Jobs can range from putting up scaffold around a house to allow for re-roofing, through to large-scale construction of new commercial developments, external cleaning of office blocks, and repair of historical monuments. Scaffolders also use scaffolding techniques to erect permanent or semi-permanent structures for spectator stands, stages and other uses.
The scaffold itself is made up of a series of upright metal tubes (standards) joined with couplers to horizontal poles (ledgers). At right angles to these are transoms, usually much shorter in length, on which the wooden working platforms (battens) rest. To add strength to the scaffold, cross-braces are placed at diagonals and where possible, clamps are used to 'tie in' the scaffold to the building or structure. Guard rails and safety nets are added to minimise dangers for the workers using it and for anybody passing below.
Falsework scaffolding involves providing a framework to support the formwork or shuttering and reinforcement bars used in making large concrete structures, such as bridges. The scaffolding is removed once the concrete has set.
All scaffolders work within strict safety regulations and use a variety of hand tools and safety equipment including swivel spanners, spirit-levels, harnesses and hoists.
Hours and Conditions
The usual working week is 39 hours, but this varies when deadlines must be met.
Scaffolders work indoors and outdoors, and at heights. The work is physically demanding and scaffolders may have to work in cold, dirty or windy conditions. The work involves a lot of climbing, carrying and lifting of heavy equipment.
Protective helmets and safety harnesses are required. Travel from site to site is common, as is working away from home for short or long periods. A driving licence would be useful.
Skills and Interests
To be a scaffolder you should:
Training
As a trainee scaffolder, you work towards a joint qualification under the Construction Industry Scaffolders' Record (card) Scheme (CISRS) and NVQ / SVQ Accessing Operations and Rigging - Scaffolding (Construction and Offshore) at levels 2 and 3.
There are two schemes available leading to the joint qualification and Basic Card:
Scheme A - involves a combination of on-site working interspersed with several two- to three-week block releases to a CITB training centre. You will be assessed for NVQ level 2 at around 24 months and awarded the Basic Card.
Scheme B - is a 42-week, full-time residential course (28 weeks in year one, 14 weeks in year two) at the National Construction College, Bircham Newton, Norfolk. This also includes on-site work experience, and leads to the Basic Card and NVQ level 2.
To obtain the Advanced Card, you will need a Basic Card and have had 12 months' experience beyond the initial training outlined above, two weeks' advanced training or be assessed for eligibility, and achieved NVQ level 3.
If you already have five years' practical scaffolding experience, a one-week assessment and NVQ level 2 leads to the Basic Card. If you have five years' experience and already have the Basic Card, you just need a one-week advanced assessment and NVQ level 3 to qualify for the Advanced Card.
A Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) is open to people in England and Wales, or a four-year apprenticeship in Scotland registered with the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council.
For details on all training schemes, contact CITB - Construction Skills and the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation listed below.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
Scaffolders work for specialist scaffolding firms, building contractors and oil and power companies. There may be opportunities to work abroad on contracts, and it may be possible to progress to supervisory, estimating or construction management roles. With appropriate computer-aided design (CAD) skills, a scaffolder could move into project design and planning.
There are opportunities to become self-employed.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees minimum wage rates annually.
For trainees, depending on the stage of training they are at, salaries range between £7,100 to £13,000.
With qualifications, scaffolders can earn around £16,600+ a year.
Experienced scaffolders can earn up to £25,000+ a year.
Overtime and shift allowances will supplement income, while self-employed scaffolders negotiate their own rates.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
National Access and Scaffolding Confederation
Tel: 020 7397 8120
www.nasc.org.uk
