Are you looking into getting into the scaffolding industry? Then this is the perfect guide for you! We’ll deep dive into everything you need to know about the scaffolding apprenticeship and exactly how you can get started. Read on to find out more, and discover the details for your perfect apprenticeship.
The scaffolder apprenticeship provides opportunities for an apprentice to learn the skills required to enter the construction industry. Completing this apprenticeship doesn’t mean that you are limited to scaffolding, qualifying as a Scaffolder provides opportunities for you to work in many different sectors within the construction industry such as Construction, Infrastructure, Nuclear, Oil and Gas, Rail, and Events across the UK as well as internationally.
The scaffolding apprenticeship gives you the perfect pathway into the construction industry and provides you the tools you need to start & build your career. Using the Level 2 Scaffolding apprenticeship as a starting point for your career will propel you into a bright future.
Requirements:
A short summary of what you’ll need for this apprenticeship.
All you need for this apprenticeship is your maths and english qualifications. But don’t worry if you haven’t got up to date English and Maths certificates, you will get the opportunity to complete these before the end of the apprenticeship if needed.
Let’s get into details on what knowledge you’ll acquire throughout your apprenticeship!
Knowledge:
On completion the Scaffolder will have the following core knowledge:
- The relevant British and European Standards of construction
- The types, uses and methods of inspection, and the purpose of various scaffold materials.
- The methods of handling, stacking, and servicing scaffold materials.
- The types, uses and purpose of prefabricated beams and protection fans, and the rules for their assembly and connection to scaffold structures.
- The methods of supporting fans by scaffold tubes and wire ropes.
- The methods of founding scaffolds on differing types of surface (e.g. soft ground, concrete and steel)
- The correct and safe means of attaching and spacing transoms to support working platforms and strengthen the scaffold structure.
- The correct methods of attaching spurs, rakers, check fittings, droppers and puncheons to scaffolds
- The safe and correct method of erecting and dismantling Aluminium towers
- The correct and safe methods of erecting independent and putlog scaffolds with returns, towers and birdcages at three lifts high in tube and fittings
- How to calculate the number of ties, the spacing and test requirements to restrain sheeted and unsheeted scaffolds depending on the capacity of the tie arrangements
- The regulations governing the inspection of Basic scaffolds.
- The statutory requirements for access including ladders and ladder towers and stairways
- How to interpret design layout drawings and determine the correct and safe methods of erecting and dismantling the scaffolds
- How to organise materials to lead a gang of Scaffolders carrying out Scaffolding operations as well as the practical skills needed to erect, dismantle and alter scaffolding to the correct configurations and tolerances, a scaffolder will be required to have knowledge of the relevant British and European standards, National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) guidance and statutory regulations.
Below are some of the skills you’ll gain during the apprenticeship:
Skills:
On completion the Scaffolder will be able to:
- Make adequate provision for the safety of themselves, the workforce, the public affected by scaffolding work, and future users of the scaffold structure by working to the relevant British and European Standards.
- Visually inspect and select serviceable materials such as; tubes, boards and fittings
- Carry, raise, lower and use scaffold materials correctly and safely on a working platform
- Visually inspect, select, assemble and install prefabricated beams into scaffold structures
- Support scaffold protection fans according to requirements of current industry practice
- Erect scaffolds on pavements and public places safely and correctly, with regard to Local Authority regulations
- Install spurs and rakers within the correct operating angles. Attach check fittings, droppers and puncheons in the correct positions to scaffolds
- Install anchor ties and other specialist fixings to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Testing and reporting in accordance with TG4 Anchorage Systems for Scaffolding
- Select, space, install and test the correct number of ties to restrain sheeted and unsheeted scaffolds to current industry practices
- Determine the material requirements for independent and putlog scaffolds with returns, towers and birdcages up to three lifts high. Lay out materials, set out scaffolds and overcome obstacles to erect scaffolds safely.
- Determine the materials required to set out, erect and dismantle in a safe sequence.
- Inspect gin wheels for serviceability, position and fix securely, reeve, rope, tie knots and correctly use gin wheel to haul up scaffold tubes, boards and fittings. Take down gin wheel and coil rope.
- You’ll be able to inspect basic scaffolds prior to handover.
Right so that’s all of the details covered!
What happens next?
You’re at the end of your apprenticeship! What now?
Once you’ve completed this apprenticeship, you will have achieved the established trade competency which will mean you’ll be able to assemble, alter and dismantle a vast range of scaffolding structures.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you and informed you on all you need to know about the scaffolding apprenticeship!
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