What's involved

Scaffold is usually made of metal tubes, fittings, and metal or timber platforms. It is put together by scaffolders so that workers can reach the different parts of a structure.

Safety is paramount, for those erecting the scaffold, the people working on the scaffold and those below. Scaffolders work outside in all weather conditions and are required to work at height.

Skills required

Not surprisingly, you'll need to have a good head for heights for this role. You'll also need to be responsible as the safety of many others will depend on your work. A good understanding of maths is also beneficial.

Qualifications required

There are no formal requirements although it would help to have Standard Grades in English and Maths.

Salary ranges

(This is a guide to the average salary a fully qualified and experienced person might expect to get.)

£17,000 - £26,000

Progression routes

If you decide to progress into supervisory, design or management roles there are opportunities to study for:

• Technical, supervisory and  management SVQ qualifications (SCQF Levels 6 to11)
• HNC Construction or a number of other built environment HNC/HND qualifications (SCQF Levels 7 or 8)
• Degree level qualifications in a number of construction disciplines (SCQF Levels 9 to 12)

Find out more about this role from an apprentice's point of view.