Scaffolding Jobs
- What is the outlook for scaffolders in the UK?
- Where can scaffolding jobs be found in the UK?
- What type of employment is available for scaffolding in the UK?
- Who employs people for scaffolding jobs in the UK?
- What qualifications do you need for scaffolding jobs in the UK?
- What other scaffolding experience is advantageous?
- How much can you expect to earn for scaffolding jobs in the UK?
- What is the best way to get a scaffolding job in the UK?
- How should you prepare your CV for the UK?
What is the outlook for scaffolders in the UK?
The UK's construction industry is in a very healthy state and the outlook for anyone wanting to find a scaffolding job is very good.
Fuelled by a strong economy and the demands of an expanding population, there is a constant need to maintain old and develop new infrastructure within the UK. And, of course, there is also the incredibly large task of preparing for the 2012 Olympic games in London.
This means that there are a great variety of construction projects being undertaken across the UK and there is a strong demand for experienced workers to help with their completion. Apply to Jobs before you arrive or Register with Agencies up to 6 months before you arrive.
Where can scaffolding jobs be found in the UK?
Scaffolding jobs are available UK–wide, though the majority exist in large towns and cities. The biggest example of this is in London. The size of the city and the enormous demands placed on its infrastructure means that there is huge demand for workers within the construction industry.
Areas just outside of London also have a strong demand for scaffolders. Within the wider area of South East England, scaffolding jobs may be found in such places as:
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Other areas throughout the UK which you might consider, include:
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Tip: If you have a particular desire to live and work in a specific UK location, then make this intention clear to your recruitment agent from the outset.
What type of employment is available for scaffolding in the UK?
As a rule, employment within the construction industry is in a contract capacity. Scaffolders are generally paid by the hour, and there are great opportunities for overtime.
Part time construction jobs in the UK can give you the flexibility to split your time between work and travel. If you are a Working Holiday Maker, then you should be aware that finding a permanent position may be very difficult due to the fact that you are restricted to a period of 12 months employment in the UK.
Who employs people for scaffolding jobs in the UK?
There are a whole range of private sector companies involved in the construction industry and a good chance that you could end up working for any number of them — either directly or indirectly. Obviously, specialist scaffolding firms and individual building contractors are a large source of employment.
As a construction industry UK subcontractor, you will also find that labour or recruitment agencies can provide you with much scaffolding work. Often, such agencies may act as your direct employer.
What qualifications do you need for scaffolding jobs in the UK?
You do not strictly require any formal qualifications to work as a scaffolder in the UK, however you will find having them advantageous.
The UK has an extensive set of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) which provide the theoretical background to many trades and vocations. In Scotland, these are known as Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). S/NVQs are completed in line with apprenticeships and contain 5 levels:
- Level 1: equivalent to a site operative or labourer
- Level 2: craftsperson
- Level 3: advanced craftsperson
- Level 4: manager / professional
- Level 5: senior manager
Being able to prove that you meet a certain level of certification is becoming increasingly important in the UK and is now a prerequisite to working on many construction sites. Also, construction industry occupational, health and safety training is becoming much more common. To this end, a number of certification schemes have been developed to provide all construction site workers with an official photo ID card which provides proof of their level of qualification.
While it is not currently a legal requirement to belong to a certification scheme, it may certainly be seen as advantageous to your employment prospects. There are a number of different certification schemes for different occupations.
Scaffolders can apply to become a member of the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS), which is administered by ConstructionSkills.
The CISRS Card is valid for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The cost of the application is £25. As part of the application for this card you will need to have your overseas qualifications verified and you will need to pass a UK Health and Safety assessment (at an additional cost of £17.50).
For more information on having your overseas qualifications recognised, call ConstructionSkills on +44 (0)870 417 8777. The standard method of having certifications verified is through the independent company UK NARIC. The cost of a letter of comparability (online) is £39.95. For more information, UK NARIC may be contacted on (t) +44 (0)871 330 7033, (f) +44 (0)871330 7005, or (e) info@naric.org.uk.
What other experience is advantageous?
Work is available for scaffolders of all experience levels though, essentially, the more experience you have the better. As a general rule, having 2 + years experience should be sufficient.
Having detailed information regarding your previous experience, such as the size and scope of scaffolding projects you have been involved in, will be extremely helpful in helping you find work. You should also ensure that you have an accurate and up to date list of referees.
How much can you expect to earn for a scaffolding job in the UK?
Qualified scaffolders can expect to earn £16 - £25 K per annum. Opportunities for overtime are generally very good.
The amount of money you can earn for scaffolding in the UK varies from job to job and will be effected by a number of factors.
Jobs based in London almost always pay more than those based in other parts of the UK. This is due to the the associated costs of living in London, as well as the fact that many larger (and richer) companies are based in London.
Other factors which will effect your pay packet include:
- The size of the organisation you work for.
- The amount of responsibility you have in your role.
- The amount of previous experience you possess.
UK experience will increase your ability to earn premium rates.
What is the best way to get a UK scaffolding job?
There are plenty of scaffolding jobs in the UK for experienced candidates but finding the right job can be a daunting task.
Whether you are applying for a specific scaffolding job or simply looking for anything which matches your skills and experience, your first point of contact will probably be a recruitment agency.
Recruitment agencies are heavily involved in the UK job market — it is their business to find quality candidates for employers while simultaneously helping candidates to develop and progress their careers.
WORKgateways manages a network of the best building, trades and labour recruiters to help you reach your potential.
Register with recruitment agencies up to 6 months before your arrival in the UK. Your recruitment consultant will then begin the process of finding you a suitable position, giving you a great head start to your working life in the UK.
If your travel plans or arrival date changes, make sure you inform your recruitment consultant immediately.
Learn how to get the most out of your WORKgateways UK job search in our FAQs.
How should you prepare your CV for the UK?
Your CV for the UK should be short — no more than 3 pages. Recruiters and employers see hundreds of CVs at a time, so it's important that the important information on your CV is immediately obvious.
Your CV should include a list of the scaffolding projects you have worked on, including specific details on your requirements and responsibilities.
Be sure to list your experience in reverse-chronological order (i.e. most recent experience first).
Use lists and bullet points to enable the reader to quickly scan and understand your experience and abilities.
Example
| Mar 2006 — Present | Company Name, Country Scaffolder |
| Projects: |
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| Responsibilities: |
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