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Scaffolder

Scaffolders erect and dismantle scaffolding to provide work platforms on building or industrial sites, or for temporary structures such as stages, seating and catwalks.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to become a rigger. See the separate entry for Rigger.

Scaffolders work mostly outdoors, at a variety of locations and in most weather conditions.

TASKS

Scaffolders may perform the following tasks:

check requirements from drawings and written instructions, select materials and set ground levels
fit together steel pipes, support braces and clamps to form bases for scaffolds
lift and position sections of scaffolding and bolt pipes together to build up scaffolding
place planks over horizontal bars to create platforms
check levels in scaffolding structures
use prefabricated scaffolding when available
dismantle scaffolding at the completion of a job

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
able to work at heights
a sense of balance
good hand-eye coordination
able to work as part of a team
at least 18 years of age

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a scaffolder you will need to obtain a licence to Perform High Risk Work issued by SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT. To gain a licence, you will need to register with an approved Registered Training Organisation and work under the supervision of a licensed operator, keeping an approved logbook to record competencies achieved during training. Assessment by an independent assessor will then be required. Licences to Perform High Risk Work are issued under the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work.

Contact SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT for details of Registered Training Organisations authorised to deliver training and assessment. To obtain a licence, you will need to be at least 18 years of age. However, training may commence at a younger age.

You can also become a scaffolder through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Scaffolding.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Scaffolders are mainly employed by construction firms and related subcontractors. Job prospects depend on the level of activity in the construction industry and can fluctuate. A small amount of work is generated from other areas that require erection of scaffolding (such as entertainment, building maintenance and cleaning work).