Scaffolding Apprenticeship | Construction, Architecture & Property Sector Apprenticeship

A scaffolder builds scaffolding structure on building sites and at outdoor events using metal pipes and poles.

Scaffolders put up scaffolding or working platforms for construction workers to use when building, maintaining, or repairing buildings and structures. Some also build stands for spectators at sports events and concerts.

On completion of this two-year apprenticeship, you will become a qualified scaffolder with a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Scaffolding.

You may then choose to work as a scaffolder in a range of areas within the construction industry.

You may also use the qualification to progress within the sector and/or to higher education programmes.

Click on the image above to read the Scaffolding Apprenticeship brochure

View details from Apprenticeship.ie

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To view full details of this occupation, view information from our Careers database for the following occupation: Scaffolding

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must:

Be employed by a SOLAS approved employer

Be at least 16 years of age

Have a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects at Junior Certificate, or equivalent, to include Maths and English

Have evidence of CEFRL [Common European Languages Framework] level B2 minimum if English is not a first language

Current Valid Safe Pass

Have a minimum of 3 months on site experience

Non-EU residents will be subject to a Stamp 4 working visa GNIB Stamp Status Information

If an applicant does not meet the requirements:

You may still register as an apprentice with an employer if you are over 18 years of age and have at least two years' relevant work experience in the construction industry.

Such applicants may be required to complete a suitability assessment/interview.

Recognition of Prior Learning (Experienced Scaffolders)

Must hold a CSCS Basic/Advanced or equivalent Card for a minimum of 4 years

Complete an Expression of Interest form (EOI)

Complete an Application Form

Attend an Interview

Attend a series of dedicated workshops

Undertake a Knowledge Test

Undertake a Practical Assessment

Non-EU residents will be subject to a Stamp 4 Working Visa. GNIB Stamp Status Information

This is a two-year practical programme with eight modules, developed in consultation with industry. As part of this programme, apprentices will engage in on-the-job training with a SOLAS approved employer. Off-the-job training will take place in the classroom.

8 Modules at NFQ Level 5 over two years:

Year 1 / Stage 1

Basic Scaffolding Principles
Developing the Scaffolder (Personal and Professional)
Industry Skills for Scaffolders
Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling

Year 2 / Stage 2

Scaffolding Compliance
Management and Control of Scaffolding
Complex Structures
Capstone

Apprentices will also receive training in the following:

Rescue Plans
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
Mobile Access Tower
Harness Inspection
Klock
Kstage
Layher
Tube & Fitting

As a scaffolder, you must enjoy working as part of a team and carry out your tasks with care and attention to safety.

Team worker
Ability to work independently and on their own initiative
Problem Solving
Planning
Information gathering
Health & Safety
Assertiveness and Confidence
Resilience
Critical thinking
Creativity
Competency and willingness to work in confined spaces
Working at heights

Scaffolders erect and dismantle scaffolding structures that enable workers to access higher levels of buildings during construction, cleaning, and renovation projects. They are also responsible for carrying out safety checks and inspections to identify and rectify any faults.

Scaffolders work across a wide range of sectors, including:

Entertainment and events
Commercial developments
Residential construction
Offshore installations
Industrial work settings

Scaffolders must maintain a safe working environment to include safe storage of excess scaffolding equipment.

Typical Scaffolding duties include:

Typical Scaffolding Duties Include:
Unloading scaffolding equipment at the work site
Setting base plates at regular intervals to distribute the load evenly
Erecting scaffolding poles (standards) and attaching horizontal tubes, ledgers, and transoms, or assembling various system scaffold types
Fixing the scaffold to the building or structure for stability using short tie tubes
Laying and securing planks (battens) across the scaffold to create safe walking platforms
Installing guard rails and safety netting for fall protection
Dismantling and removing scaffolding once the work is completed

Additional Duties May Include:

Erecting temporary spectator stands, stages, or gantries for events
Building scaffolding around formwork and shuttering used to hold setting concrete in place on large-scale structures such as bridges

Scaffolders can work across a diverse range of environments and projects, including:

Entertainment/Events
Commercial Sites
Residential Buildings
Offshore installations
Industrial work settings

Scaffolders can explore progression opportunities while in employment or consider self-employment as independent contractors. These opportunities span diverse sectors such as entertainment and events, commercial, residential, offshore, and industrial settings.

Professional Development

Further Education and Training (FET) courses offer full- and part-time pathways for skills development, upskilling, and enterprise training, available through FET centres nationwide. Courses are available up to NFQ Level 6.

Search for available options using our FET Course Finder.

Organisations That Can Support Your Career Development

CIF (Construction Industry Federation) Training Industry-led training programmes and resources for construction professionals.
Skillnet Ireland (Construction & Engineering Network) Networking, training, and professional development opportunities across the sector.

Enterprise and Self-Employment Resources – Guidance and supports for those considering starting their own business.

Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Business supports, mentoring, and funding options for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Local Area Partnerships Community-based enterprise and employment support services.

A Scaffolding Apprenticeship has an ongoing intake. Once you meet the eligibility criteria and secure your SOLAS approved employer, you can apply at any time during the year.

To find an apprenticeship, search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and employer in each apprenticeship.

Explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship Type here .

Further information is also available from:

Yvonne Kearney, Programme Manager
National Construction Training Campus
Mount Lucas
Daingean
R35 XW10

Tel: 057 9362508
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mountlucas.ie

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Further information about this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations on this website:

Online Job Sites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn.

Apprenticeship Salary

The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

The sector the apprentice's employer is engaged in will determine the allowance payable. These allowances are calculated on the gross wages paid by industry in each sector. The hourly rates and weekly gross wage norms in the construction industry are listed below.

Gross Wage Norms in the Construction Industry