Trades & Services
Scaffolder
Scaffolders erect and dismantle scaffolding for construction and building sites, or for short-term structures such as catwalks or stages.
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Entry-level education
Junior secondary school certificate or equivalent
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Job outlook
What does a Scaffolder do?
Scaffolders erect and dismantle scaffolding for construction and building sites, or for short-term structures such as catwalks or stages.
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Work activities
As a scaffolder, you would:
- use drawings or instructions to work out materials required
- ensure the ground condition is appropriate for erecting scaffolding
- form secure bases to build from
- create platforms at set points
- secure scaffolding to other buildings or structures to make it more secure
- check levels in scaffolding structures
- lay planks across scaffolding for workers to walk on
- fix rails and safety netting to finished scaffolding
- make sure completed scaffolding applies to all health and safety regulations
- use prefabricated scaffolding in some situations.
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Key skills and interests
To be a scaffolder, you would need:
- to be physically strong and fit
- to enjoy manual tasks
- the ability to work at heights
- a good sense of balance
- good hand-eye coordination
- teamwork skills
- an understanding of health and safety regulations.
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Working hours and conditions
Working Hours
As a scaffolder you would usually work a standard number of hours per week.
Conditions
Scaffolders work outdoors mainly, in all types of weather. The work is physically demanding and requires strict safety standards be maintained. Protective and safety clothing would be worn.
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How to become an Scaffolder?
Entry Level Education
To become a scaffolder you need to have a national licence to Perform High Risk Work issued by the relevant authority in your State. Before you can apply for this licence, a registered training Organisation (RTO) must assess your training, skills and knowledge under realistic workplace conditions.To obtain your licence you must also be at least 18 years of age, work under a licensed operator, and be able to use English at a level that enables the safe performance of high risk work.
You can also become a scaffolder through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Scaffolding. Generally employers require a junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.
All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). Authorised training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations.
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Job outlook
Employment of scaffolders is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Scaffolders work in all fields of construction, and demand for scaffolders will mirror the level of overall construction activity. The growth in new residential and commercial construction, as well as building, repairing and replacing infrastructure, should result in steady demand for scaffolders.
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