Scaffolder
You'll put up scaffolding to help workers reach the top parts of buildings, like office blocks or wind turbines. This helps structures get built, cleaned and renovated.
About the job
What it's like
Ever looked up at the skyline and admired some of our amazing buildings? As a scaffolder, you could play a key role in their construction.
Scaffolders are skilled tradespeople. Their main focus is building strong, stable platforms at different heights. These structures support workers and materials during the construction process.
You'll find scaffolders on building sites, shipyards and oil rigs. Some scaffolders even work at big events that need to provide temporary stages or seating. You could specialise in industrial scaffolding, suspended scaffolds or even focus on historic buildings.
Your tasks might include:
assembling scaffolding frames and platforms at various heights
checking site plans and calculating materials needed for each job
securing scaffolding to buildings or structures using fixings and supports
inspecting completed scaffolds for safety and stability
dismantling scaffolding safely once work is finished
loading, unloading and organising scaffolding equipment on site
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
install scaffolding for eco-friendly building projects or retrofits
support renewable energy installations, like wind turbines or solar panels
Hours
You'll work around 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Environment
Scaffolding is mainly an outdoor role that'll see you work in a variety of weather conditions.
The work can be physically demanding – it'll involve lots of climbing and lifting heavy equipment.
You'll spend most of your time working at heights.
You'll wear a safety helmet, harness and protective footwear.
Travel
You'll travel from site to site, and some projects may involve overnight stays away from home.
You'll probably drive a van.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- reliable
- time management
- taking initiative
- risk taking
- managing resources
- problem solving
- resourceful
- cooperating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Construction: Specialist.
Qualifications and experience that show practical skills, such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts, may be valuable.
You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent and pass a health and safety test to train or work on construction sites.
A driving licence may be required for some jobs.
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