Many people are drawn to the rewarding physical nature of building sites, and they are a great place for those who are physically minded to thrive in their work environment. Scaffolding is a key part of the building process, providing a platform for the entire project to grow around, and keeping your colleagues safe. Whether you have done work experience on a construction site already or are just starting to dip your toes into the construction industry, it can seem daunting to understand how to move from simply wanting to work as a scaffolder to actually starting to put up the supports as a full time job. 

So, whether you are looking for your next career move or want to take a step up from your current construction career, what should you do to get started? Here are the simple steps you need to take to get qualified.

What type of scaffolding do you want to do?

Typically across Australia, putting up any scaffolding more than four metres high will require a licence provided through scaffolding training. However, before you even get to that stage you need to know what type of scaffolding you want to do. There are three different types of licence levels, from beginner to intermediate to advanced. Depending on how far you want to take your career, you are going to need a different licence. A key consideration here is whether you want to do full time scaffolding, or just broaden your skill set for your current job. If you really want to take the plunge, opt for an advanced licence, though you will have to work your way through the levels to get there.

Get your licence and find a training school

People are often surprised by the amount of qualifications and training that go into all parts of working on a construction site. In Australia, each state or territory will have its own basic set of licence regulations, which is run by the local authority who implement national legislation around worker safety. You will need to apply through this organisation for your high risk work licence, and then find a qualified training centre who can provide you with a scaffolding course. Your local licensing authority will have a list of registered training centres where you can take your course.

Typically, a scaffolding course will last somewhere between three days and a week, depending on the level of qualification you are looking to achieve. After you have successfully completed your course you will receive a certificate of completion, which allows you to get your full licence.