Scaffolders do a very important job in the United Kingdom, as they work with builders, sculptors, artists, restorers, geologists, the rescue services and more. For the right person, scaffolding can be an interesting and rewarding career choice. However, if you are thinking about getting into scaffolding, it is important that you consider the following things, as scaffolding is not the right choice for everyone.

What skills do you require to become a scaffolder?

It is obvious to state that scaffolders need to have a good head for heights, as they will often be asked to work way above ground level. If you do not like heights or feel that you may not be able to do your best work whilst you are high up, then you may want to reconsider being a scaffolder. Any mistakes could put you and others at risk. For your own safety, you should also be able to maintain your balance whilst you are working at height.

You should also be good at following instructions. New scaffolders do much of their learning on the job, so they must be able to follow instructions so that they learn their trade properly. As part of your training and learning, you must also be able to demonstrate that you can learn, understand and apply safe working practices whilst working on a site or with equipment. These practices are designed to help to keep you, your colleagues and members of the public safe.

You should have good hand-eye coordination and a good level of physical fitness. As part of your role you will be expected to lift and carry heavy objects in a safe way. You may also be required to lift and hold heavier objects above head height. Good hand-eye coordination will allow you to quickly and easily fit necessary pieces together.

Scaffolders need both practical skills and organisational skills. For people in the construction industry, time is money, so good organisational skills will allow you to work quickly and safely.

Lastly for this part, you must be able to work well as part of a team. The majority of scaffolding which is put up in the United Kingdom requires at least two people to put it up, so you will have to be a team player if you want to succeed in this industry. Communicating well with others will help you to ensure that you are able to construct required scaffold structures quickly and safely.

Working Conditions

The majority of scaffolding which is constructed in the United Kingdom is assembled outdoors on construction sites. You will be expected to work in a variety of different weather conditions, from extreme heat, to windy and rainy conditions. Enjoying working in an outdoor environment is important if you want to work in scaffolding.

Although some projects are completed indoors (for example scaffold structures which are erected as part of restoration works), it would be difficult to make a living by only doing indoor scaffold projects.

Scaffolders also have to travel a lot as part of their job. Some of the best scaffolders are expected to travel the whole length of the country for work. For this reason, it may be important to have a driving license. Although scaffolders can travel together, having a driving license will give you more flexibility as to when and how you get to your next site. Someone may also be required to drive the scaffold materials to the site where the scaffold needs to be erected.

Bearing in mind the travel requirements, you must also be prepared to spend time away from your family. This type of work may not be suitable for those who have dependants who actually rely on them to be physically present. For example, someone who cared for a sick relative may have travel restrictions which prevented them from working away.

Some of the conditions that you work in will also be hazardous. Your employer should do everything within their power to mitigate the risk to you, so that you can feel safer within the workplace. They must meet health and safety requirements, or else they may be penalised. They may also be held liable for any injuries or accidents that occur onsite.

To mitigate risks you may be expected to wear a hard hat, high visibility jackets and steel toed boots whilst you are working onsite. If you are not prepared to wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE), then scaffolding may not be the right career choice for you.

Income

Certainly what you can earn as a scaffolder will be one of the top items on your list of things you’ll need to consider.

Trainee scaffolders normally start off by earning the minimum wage. As of April 1 2016, Under 18 year olds are entitled to £3.87 per hour, 18 to 20 year olds are entitled to £5.30, 21 to 24 year olds are entitled to £6.70 and those who are aged 25 and over are entitled to £7.20 per hour. Those who are completing an apprenticeship may only received £3.30 per hour.

Scaffolders who have been working in the industry for a while and who have completed advanced training may be able to earn up to £27,000 per year. Advanced scaffolders and scaffold supervisors may earn as much as £30000 or more, although they are expected to take on different responsibilities.

Tools Required by Scaffolders

When you first start off as a scaffolder, you will not normally need to buy any equipment of your own, as it should all be provided for you by your employer.

An employer is required to provide you with the PPE that you need to work on site, and they should make sure that it is the right size for you (e.g. that your hat and boots fit properly). If you are an independent scaffolder, you will need to provide your own PPE.

If you reach a point where you are able to work for yourself, then you will need the four basic scaffold components: planks, frames, cross-bars and connecting pins. You may also need other general tools such as power drills, hammers, screw drivers and wrenches. You will also need a vehicle and storage facilities for all of these things.