Home > Services > Career Maps and Pathways > Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a specialised trade that is commonly utilized in several sectors across Trinidad and Tobago. Scaffolding systems are temporary, elevated structures used to reach higher working levels and support work crews to work safely at height in construction, renovation and maintenance projects.
Generally, the Scaffolding employee role covers a range of activities; from interpreting blueprints and work orders, delivery of scaffolding materials to site, erection, modification, and inspection as well as dismantling of scaffolds at the completion of a job. The scaffolding team should be aware of scaffold safety requirements to prevent injury and deaths.
In addition, the scaffolding professional role covers the knowledge and understanding of applicable regulations, standards, equipment and systems, physical sciences, engineering principles and mandatory requirements for scaffold systems. The role is recognized by a professional organization or an accredited community of practice.
Scaffolding provides a rewarding career, with highly transferable skills that can be utilized in the energy, construction, maritime and various other sectors. As a Scaffolder, you can grow as a professional and develop your career with training and clear progression pathways.
At this level the supervised worker constructs scaffolding systems under supervision. This process includes preparing the work area for scaffolding activities, working at heights, erecting scaffold systems safely as well as dismantling scaffold systems safely on completion of a job.
He or she must also be able to follow health, safety and environmental procedures, respond to hazards and emergencies in the workplace and maintain an effective work environment.
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Work at heights during scaffolding activities. It involves selecting, checking and using fall protection equipment, accessing work at heights and maintaining 100 percent tie off.
Prepare the work area as well as tools, equipment and components for scaffolding activities.
Remove and store components, tools and equipment after use as well as restore the work area after scaffolding activities.
Erect, modify and dismantle scaffolding systems as instructed by his/her supervisor.
Understand limitations of the scaffold and safety of the scaffold users e.g. load limits and height limits.
Written and Verbal Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Basic troubleshooting skills
Organized and able to follow instructions
Detail-oriented
Customer relations
Good Work Ethic
Certificate as a Basic Scaffolder from an Accredited Institution
Qualified as a Scaffold Erector
Rigger’s Certificate
Work at Heights Certificate
1-3 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications
Advanced Scaffolder
Technical and Core Skills:
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Work at heights during scaffolding activities. It involves selecting, checking and using fall protection equipment, accessing work at heights and maintaining 100 percent tie off.
Prepare the work area as well as tools, equipment and components for scaffolding activities.
Remove and store components, tools and equipment after use as well as restore the work area after scaffolding activities.
Erect, modify and dismantle scaffolding systems as instructed by his/her supervisor.
Understand limitations of the scaffold and safety of the scaffold users e.g. load limits and height limits.
Employability Skills:
Written and Verbal Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Basic troubleshooting skills
Organized and able to follow instructions
Detail-oriented
Customer relations
Good Work Ethic
Qualification and Experience:
Certificate as a Basic Scaffolder from an Accredited Institution
Qualified as a Scaffold Erector
Rigger’s Certificate
Work at Heights Certificate
1-3 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications
Articulation:
Advanced Scaffolder
The skilled worker at this level is responsible for implementing the construction of scaffolding systems. This process includes working at heights, erecting, inspecting and dismantling advanced and engineered scaffolding systems safely.
He or she must also be able to prepare technical reports as well as maintain an effective work environment by following health and safety requirements when performing tasks.
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Write technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
Work at heights during scaffolding activities. Work on elevated platforms such as guardrails, wooden and metal planks, transoms etc.
Understand limitations of the scaffold and safety of the scaffold users e.g. load limits and height limits.
Erect, modify and dismantle advanced scaffolding systems such as cantilevered scaffolding, slung/suspended scaffolds, support scaffold etc.
Erect, modify and dismantle engineered scaffolding systems such as prefabricated frame tube and clamp and system scaffolds, static tower scaffold, bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork) etc.
Written and Verbal Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Basic troubleshooting skills
Document use may include company manuals, company policy and procedures, Health and Safety laws, standard operating procedures, engineered drawings
Critical Thinking
Time management skills
Customer Relations
Computer Literacy
Adaptability
Good Work Ethic
Work at heights
Certificate as an Advanced Scaffolder from an Accredited Institution
Qualified as a Scaffold Erector
Rigger’s Certificate
Work at Heights Certificate
3- 5 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications
Scaffold Supervisor
Scaffold Foreman
Scaffold Inspector
Technical and Core Skills:
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Write technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
Work at heights during scaffolding activities. Work on elevated platforms such as guardrails, wooden and metal planks, transoms etc.
Understand limitations of the scaffold and safety of the scaffold users e.g. load limits and height limits.
Erect, modify and dismantle advanced scaffolding systems such as cantilevered scaffolding, slung/suspended scaffolds, support scaffold etc.
Erect, modify and dismantle engineered scaffolding systems such as prefabricated frame tube and clamp and system scaffolds, static tower scaffold, bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork) etc.
Employability Skills:
Written and Verbal Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Basic troubleshooting skills
Document use may include company manuals, company policy and procedures, Health and Safety laws, standard operating procedures, engineered drawings
Critical Thinking
Time management skills
Customer Relations
Computer Literacy
Adaptability
Good Work Ethic
Work at heights
Qualification and Experience:
Certificate as an Advanced Scaffolder from an Accredited Institution
Qualified as a Scaffold Erector
Rigger’s Certificate
Work at Heights Certificate
3- 5 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications
Articulation:
Scaffold Supervisor
Scaffold Foreman
Scaffold Inspector
A worker at this level performs a broad range of functions that includes supervising the scaffolding operations and work crew. He/she assist in estimating projects, monitoring team performance against work plans and schedules along withinspecting and certifying basic and advanced scaffolding.
He/she is responsible for coaching, mentoring and training of workers to follow guidelines for health, safety and environment as well as operational aspects.
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare advance technical reports.
Confirms the preparation of the work area, materials and equipment prior to the scaffolding operations.
Monitors Work at Heights during scaffolding operations.
Estimates Scaffolding Job Requirements
Coordinates and supervises the Erection, Modification and Dismantling of Scaffolding Systems inclusive of Basic and Advanced Scaffolding as well as Engineered Scaffolding when required
Inspects and Certifies Scaffolding Systems inclusive of Basic and Advanced Scaffolding as well as Engineered Scaffolding when required
Maintains excellent standards of housekeeping on the work area.
Inculcates strong values and work ethics among the team
Responsible for the training and development of team members.
Knows, understands and applies plant operating procedures and company policies.
Responsible for all company assets and activities within his assigned area of responsibility.
Co-ordinate Team Activities / Supervise a Team
Monitor team performance against work plans and make the necessary adjustments to the plan
Manage projects – plan, schedule, coordinate resources, project management
Handle emergencies and implement response plan
Deal with conflicts
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in Teams
Critical Thinking
Time management and multi-tasking skills
Customer Focus
Computer Literate
Organizational and planning skills
Analytical skills
Good Work Ethics
Supervisory Skills
Leadership Skills
Report writing Skills
Incident Investigation
Emergency Response
Work at heights
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Certificate in Scaffolding Inspection
Certificate as an Advanced Scaffolder from an Accredited Institution
Work at Heights Certificate
At least 7 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications
Superintendent / Team Lead Scaffolder
Technical and Core Skills:
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare advance technical reports.
Confirms the preparation of the work area, materials and equipment prior to the scaffolding operations.
Monitors Work at Heights during scaffolding operations.
Estimates Scaffolding Job Requirements
Coordinates and supervises the Erection, Modification and Dismantling of Scaffolding Systems inclusive of Basic and Advanced Scaffolding as well as Engineered Scaffolding when required
Inspects and Certifies Scaffolding Systems inclusive of Basic and Advanced Scaffolding as well as Engineered Scaffolding when required
Maintains excellent standards of housekeeping on the work area.
Inculcates strong values and work ethics among the team
Responsible for the training and development of team members.
Knows, understands and applies plant operating procedures and company policies.
Responsible for all company assets and activities within his assigned area of responsibility.
Co-ordinate Team Activities / Supervise a Team
Monitor team performance against work plans and make the necessary adjustments to the plan
Manage projects – plan, schedule, coordinate resources, project management
Handle emergencies and implement response plan
Deal with conflicts
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in Teams
Critical Thinking
Time management and multi-tasking skills
Customer Focus
Computer Literate
Organizational and planning skills
Analytical skills
Good Work Ethics
Supervisory Skills
Leadership Skills
Report writing Skills
Incident Investigation
Emergency Response
Work at heights
Qualification and Experience:
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Certificate in Scaffolding Inspection
Certificate as an Advanced Scaffolder from an Accredited Institution
Work at Heights Certificate
At least 7 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications
Articulation:
Superintendent / Team Lead Scaffolder
At this level he/she is responsible for managing and directing the day-to-day operations of scaffold construction and supervisory responsibility for workers. He/she is responsible for conformity to engineering drawings and specifications, cost control, scheduling of work as well as maintaining positive working relationships with clients, suppliers, engineers and jobsite staff.
Ensure implementation; management and compliance with all Safety Management policies
Provides direction and leadership to the departmental team to achieve quality, productivity, reliability, efficiency and commitment to standards.
Participates in recruitment and promotion processes
Develop and implements training and development plans
Competent in reading and understanding specifications, drawings, and all other discipline related project and engineering documentation.
Prepare relevant reports, maintains proper records of scaffolding materials and prepares and provides estimates to clients.
Supervises the safe erection, maintenance and dismantling of scaffolding onsite
Certifies that erected scaffolding is safe prior to use.
Conduct inspection on all scaffolding related materials to ensure reliability or unfit for use.
Ensures that the engineered scaffold has been designed by a qualified person or institute.
Ensures that the design can safely support the loading which it was designed for.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Understanding company quality procedures
Manage others to achieve results
Team leadership
Motivational skills
Use of Project Management Software
Skill in programme/project planning and implementation
Problem solving and analysis skills
Decision making skills
Negotiating skills
Time/cost Management
Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Proven ability to lead and direct a team of scaffolders and leading hands
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Sound understanding of industry standards, and relevant legal requirements for the erection of scaffolding
At least 12 years’ work experience
Certified as a Scaffold Inspector
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications
Scaffold Manager
Technical and Core Skills:
Ensure implementation; management and compliance with all Safety Management policies
Provides direction and leadership to the departmental team to achieve quality, productivity, reliability, efficiency and commitment to standards.
Participates in recruitment and promotion processes
Develop and implements training and development plans
Competent in reading and understanding specifications, drawings, and all other discipline related project and engineering documentation.
Prepare relevant reports, maintains proper records of scaffolding materials and prepares and provides estimates to clients.
Supervises the safe erection, maintenance and dismantling of scaffolding onsite
Certifies that erected scaffolding is safe prior to use.
Conduct inspection on all scaffolding related materials to ensure reliability or unfit for use.
Ensures that the engineered scaffold has been designed by a qualified person or institute.
Ensures that the design can safely support the loading which it was designed for.
Employability Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Understanding company quality procedures
Manage others to achieve results
Team leadership
Motivational skills
Use of Project Management Software
Skill in programme/project planning and implementation
Problem solving and analysis skills
Decision making skills
Negotiating skills
Time/cost Management
Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Qualification and Experience:
Proven ability to lead and direct a team of scaffolders and leading hands
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Sound understanding of industry standards, and relevant legal requirements for the erection of scaffolding
At least 12 years’ work experience
Certified as a Scaffold Inspector
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications
Articulation:
Scaffold Manager
At this level he/she is responsible for managing all aspects within scaffolding, protecting assets and reducing operating costs, mitigating the risk of harm by effective work planning and environmental impact.
Determine training requirements to ensure that all personnel are competent to safely construct scaffolding structures.
Ensures compliance with all contractual agreements.
Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Ensures that safety policies and procedures are being thoroughly followed.
Determine optimum manpower requirement and initiates the recruitment process.
Reviews and approves operational procedures
Facilitates and sustain an effective team environment
Must be able to identify client requirements and find solutions to the most challenging problems.
Responsible for the implementation of an Inspection Tagging System to ensure the integrity of various types of scaffold systems are being followed.
Ensures all work is carried out to the approved drawings and specifications, and that correct work practices are engaged at all times.
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely lodgment of claims.
Determines departmental and strategic priorities, and objectives.
Analyses and optimizes performance
Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership abilities
Problem solving and analytical skills
Time Management skills.
Project Management skills
Team oriented
People focused
Customer focused
Outcome focused
Flexible
Innovative
Detail oriented
Problem solving and analysis
Strategic orientation
Bachelor of Arts in Management and Technician’s Diploma with 15 years’ experience (5 of which must be in a management position)
Experience in Managing Scaffolding Projects
Training in Health and Safety Management Systems
Relevant technical training as required
Technical and Core Skills:
Determine training requirements to ensure that all personnel are competent to safely construct scaffolding structures.
Ensures compliance with all contractual agreements.
Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Ensures that safety policies and procedures are being thoroughly followed.
Determine optimum manpower requirement and initiates the recruitment process.
Reviews and approves operational procedures
Facilitates and sustain an effective team environment
Must be able to identify client requirements and find solutions to the most challenging problems.
Responsible for the implementation of an Inspection Tagging System to ensure the integrity of various types of scaffold systems are being followed.
Ensures all work is carried out to the approved drawings and specifications, and that correct work practices are engaged at all times.
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely lodgment of claims.
Determines departmental and strategic priorities, and objectives.
Analyses and optimizes performance
Employability Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership abilities
Problem solving and analytical skills
Time Management skills.
Project Management skills
Team oriented
People focused
Customer focused
Outcome focused
Flexible
Innovative
Detail oriented
Problem solving and analysis
Strategic orientation
Qualification and Experience:
Bachelor of Arts in Management and Technician’s Diploma with 15 years’ experience (5 of which must be in a management position)
Experience in Managing Scaffolding Projects
Training in Health and Safety Management Systems
Relevant technical training as required