Scaffolding Apprenticeships

What is a Scaffolder?

Scaffolders play a vital role in the construction industry, erecting and dismantling temporary metal scaffolding on building sites, so that construction work can proceed safely at high levels.

Working in scaffolding is physically demanding and requires a strong head for heights. You can become a scaffolder through a number of routes, and an apprenticeship is one of the most popular ways.

How do scaffolding apprenticeships work?

A scaffolding apprenticeship covers practical principles in erecting and dismantling different types of scaffolding, including independent, birdcage, tower, cantilever, pavement and roof scaffolds. You will also receive training in general workplace safety, efficient work practices, manual handling and learn skills, knowledge and awareness of basic building methods, interpreting drawings and estimating resourcing.

A scaffolding apprenticeship is a vocational qualification in scaffolding which gives apprentices on-the-job experience with an employer. There is an Intermediate and a Level 2 NVQ qualification.

At the end of your apprenticeship, you will not only gain your qualification but also your Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme card. This signifies that you are a fully qualified scaffolder.

How long are scaffolding apprenticeships?

It takes up to two years to complete a scaffolding apprenticeship programme. You could take the Intermediate Scaffolder apprenticeship which takes 18 months, or the Level 2 Construction Diploma in Scaffolding. The Level 2 qualification takes 18 months to two years and involves 11 weeks of training over this period, combined with working for an employer for a minimum of 30 hours a week.

How much will I earn as a scaffolding apprentice?

As a scaffolding apprentice, you are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage – the levels of this depend on your age.

A scaffolding apprentice is paid for:

Your normal working hours
Training that’s part of your apprenticeship
Study towards maths and English qualifications if they’re part of your apprenticeship

Also, you are entitled to the minimum holiday allowance of at least 20 days per year plus Bank Holidays.

What types of scaffolding apprenticeships are available?

In England there are two levels of scaffolding apprenticeship: the Intermediate Scaffolder and Level 2 Scaffolder programme.

In Scotland scaffolding is part of the Construction Specialist Modern Apprenticeship, which can be taken at SCQF Level 5 or Level 6. Qualifying at Level 6 provides apprentices with their Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) card, which means they can work as a scaffolder.

In Wales there are two levels of scaffolding apprenticeship: the Intermediate Scaffolder and Level 2 Scaffolder programme.

What will you learn during a scaffolding apprenticeship?

Scaffolder apprentices learn every aspect of the erecting and dismantling of scaffolding platforms, so that they are safe to use for other tradespeople. The key skills scaffolders learn include:

Safe manual handling
Health and safety – preventing falls and accidents, barriers and signage
Learn how to work with scaffolding tools and equipment
Understanding the different types of scaffolding, when and how they are used
Working with standards, ledgers and transoms
Bridging with beams, protection fans, loading bays
Constructing staircases, lifting frames, gantries and ramps
Inspection techniques
Work area preparation
Interpreting information from drawings and specifications
Install spurs and supports on cantilever sections

Qualifications required to become a scaffolder

To gain entry onto the Intermediate Scaffolding apprenticeship in England you should have GCSE passes in Maths and English at grades 9-3 (A-D) or a Level 1 Functional Skills qualification.

There are no formal qualifications for the Modern Apprenticeship in Construction Specialist, but some employers in Scotland may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.

To gain entry onto an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship in Construction in Wales, which includes scaffolding, you will usually need at least 2 GCSEs at grade 3-1 (D-G) or a Level 1 Functional Skills qualification. Some employers may not require formal qualifications.

Each level will require apprentices to work on construction sites, for which you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

Skills required to become a scaffolder

Desirable skills for a scaffolder include:

Ability to work confidently at heights
Excellent hand-eye coordination
Good level of physical fitness
Awareness of health and safety
Ability to understand technical drawings and plans
Good written and verbal communication skills.

Future prospects and career progression

Qualified scaffolders can become site safety inspectors, gang supervisors, scaffolding designers or construction managers. You could start your own scaffolding business. There is the potential for senior scaffolders to earn salaries of £40,000 - £50,000.

How to apply for a scaffolding apprenticeship

If you are interested in applying for a scaffolding apprenticeship one of the best things to do is look for vacancies being offered by local construction companies. Do some searches on job websites and use the government’s apprenticeship service. If you've had some previous work experience at a company, ask if they are taking on any new apprentices. You will have to apply for any apprenticeship role, so will need to produce a CV, write a covering letter and attend an interview.

Find out more about a career as a scaffolder

You could:

Read our job profile
Read our complete guide to scaffolding to find out more about what a scaffolder does.

Where to find scaffolding apprenticeships

Choose one of the below job posting sites to find scaffolding apprenticeships in England, Scotland and Wales.