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
You would put up scaffolding to help workers to reach the top parts of buildings during construction, cleaning or renovation. You would be part of a small team.
This job comes with a lot of responsibility, as the other workers would rely on you to make sure the scaffolding is completely safe for them to use.Â
Your tasks might include:Â
unloading scaffolding equipment at the siteÂ
using eco-friendly scaffolding equipment to minimise the environmental impact of construction workÂ
setting base plates on the ground to stop the upright poles slippingÂ
putting up the scaffolding poles and attaching the horizontal tubes to themÂ
fixing the scaffolding to the building to make it more stableÂ
laying planks across the scaffolding for workers to walk onÂ
fixing guard rails and safety nettingÂ
taking down the scaffolding after the job is finishedÂ
Green jobÂ
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.Â
You might also use scaffolding methods to put up temporary spectator stands, stages or gantries at public events. You could also build the scaffold around the formwork and shuttering that holds setting concrete in place on large structures like bridges.
An understanding of safe working practices would be important when doing this job.
Hours
You would usually work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Environment
Scaffolding is mainly an outdoor job that involves working in most weather conditions. The work can be physically demanding, with a lot of climbing and lifting of heavy equipment. Much of your work will be at heights, and you would wear a safety helmet, protective footwear and a safety harness.
Travel
You would travel from site to site, and some projects may involve overnight stays away from home. You would probably drive a van.
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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.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- power tool operation
- masonry
- working at heights
- system scaffold
- scaffold building
- structural analysis
- basic offshore safety induction and emergency training (bosiet)
- structural mechanics
- hammers
- industrial coating
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
You would do Modern Apprenticeship which includes the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), the nationally-recognised training scheme for scaffolding.
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this apprenticeship but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. You may need to pass an aptitude test to start an apprenticeship.
Qualifications and experience that show practical skills such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts (SCQF level 4/5) may be of value.
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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