VOC Scaffolding Basic Level

Are you considering a career in scaffolding in Australia? Scaffolding is a vital part of the construction and maintenance industries, offering stable employment, growth opportunities, and competitive earnings. This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a scaffolder, potential career pathways, and how much you can earn in this field. 

What Does a Scaffolder Do? 

Scaffolders are essential to the construction industry, taking on a variety of responsibilities to ensure that workers can perform tasks safely at heights. Here’s a straightforward look at what they do:

• Work Environment: Scaffolders often work at significant heights, in various weather conditions, and may need to work longer hours to meet deadlines.

• Planning and Inspection: Scaffolders begin by inspecting the site and calculating the type of scaffolding needed for the project.

• Assembly: They unload scaffolding materials, assemble the framework using tubing and braces, and attach necessary components like ladders and rails.

• Maintenance: Scaffolders regularly check and maintain scaffolding equipment to ensure everything is in safe working order.

• Safety Checks: They inspect the scaffolding structures throughout the project to make sure they comply with safety standards.

• Dismantling: Once the job is complete, scaffolders take down the scaffolding and store the materials properly.

Earnings Potential

In Australia, the salaries of a scaffolder vary based on experience, qualifications and industry.  

• Entry-level Scaffolders: Typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 per year in Australia. 

• Experienced Scaffolders: Can earn around $120,000 and $150,000 per year in Australia. If you have the advanced qualifications, you can also secure a job in the offshore mining industry and earn up to $300,000 per year.

• Supervisors, Inspectors and Trainers: Salaries can exceed $150,000 and $300,000 per year in Australia per year, especially in high-demand sectors like mining and offshore oil and gas. 

Steps to Become a Scaffolder 

1. Gain Qualification

To become a scaffolder, first you need to learn the skills and get the necessary qualifications from a training organisation or by doing a traineeship. While there are benefits for both education pathways, a traineeship can take 12 months to gain a qualification, whereas if you went through an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) course you can gain a qualification within 4 to 5 days.  

Saferight Training Academy is an RTO that offers top-tier scaffolding courses in Western Australia, designed for all skill levels: 

• Basic Scaffolding (SB): Learn the fundamentals of scaffolding, including how to erect, alter, and dismantle basic scaffolding systems.
• Intermediate Scaffolding (SI): Gain advanced skills in managing more complex scaffolding structures, such as cantilevered and spurred scaffolds.
• Advanced Scaffolding (SA): Master specialised scaffolding systems, including hung and suspended scaffolds.
• Combo Scaffolding (SIA): Learn intermediate and advanced scaffolding skills within a week and accelerate your career faster!

Want to understand the distinctions between Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels? Check out our detailed blog post on the differences between scaffolding levels to learn more.

2. High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) for Scaffolding 

• Why It’s Important: After completing the necessary training and earning your qualifications, the next crucial step is obtaining a High-Risk Work Licence. This licence is mandatory for all scaffolding work in Australia, ensuring that only trained and competent individuals are allowed to perform high-risk tasks. 

• How to Obtain the Licence: You can apply for this licence through WorkSafe or via the training organisation where you completed your scaffolding qualification. Saferight offers this service with a separate fee, making it easier for you to get licensed and start working right after you get your qualifications. 

3. Obtain a White Card 

• What is a White Card? The White Card, or also known as the ‘Construction Induction Training Card’, is an essential certification for anyone intending to work in the construction industry in Australia. It proves that you have completed the necessary general construction induction training, focusing on workplace health and safety (WHS) standards. 

• Why is it Important? Without a White Card, you cannot legally work on a construction site in Australia. It ensures that all workers understand the fundamental safety practices required to maintain a safe working environment, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries on site. 

• How to Get a White Card: To obtain your White Card, you must complete a short course provided by a registered training organisation (RTO). The course typically takes a day and covers essential topics such as identifying and managing risks, understanding safety laws, and knowing how to respond to potential hazards. 

• Where to Apply: White Card courses are widely available across Australia, and usually offered by Registered Training Organisations. The course code that you should search for is called ‘Prepare to work safely in the construction industry – CPCCWHS1001’ . Once you successfully complete the course, you will receive a White Card that is recognised across the country, allowing you to work on any construction site in Australia. 

4. Start Building Your Resume

With all the necessary licences and qualifications in hand, it’s time to start building your resume. Many companies are open to hiring individuals with little to no experience, often providing on-the-job training as you embark on your career. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience and grow your skills in a real-world environment.

Why Choose Saferight? 

Saferight is a leading provider of high-risk work training in Western Australia, known for its comprehensive and industry-compliant courses. By choosing Saferight, you’ll acquire the skills and qualifications needed to advance in your career, ensuring you work safely and efficiently. 

Ready to start your career? Enrol in one of Saferight’s expert-led courses today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in scaffolding. 

Scaffolding Basic, Scaffolding Intermediate, and Scaffolding Advanced are essential courses for anyone pursuing a career in the highly rewarding and in-demand scaffolding industry in Australia. These courses offer excellent earning potential and opportunities to work in various sectors.

At Saferight, we provide nationally accredited courses tailored to help you get started and advance your career. Below, we’ll break down the different levels of scaffolding courses available, so you can choose the one that best suits your career goals.

1. Scaffolding Basic: The Starting Point for Residential Work

Course Overview:

• Duration: 4 or 5 days
• Cost: $875
• Accreditation: Nationally accredited (CPCCLSF2001 – Licence to erect, alter and dismantle Scaffolding Basic Level)
• Delivery Method: Face-to-face

Why Enrol in the Basic Course?

• Comprehensive Skills Training: Learn how to safely erect and dismantle various types of scaffolding, including modular or fabricated scaffolds, materials hoists, gin wheels, safety nets, and static lines.
• Master the Modular Technique: Gain practical knowledge in the modular technique, which involves constructing scaffolding structures from the ground up.
• Tailored for Residential Projects: This course is ideal for those looking to start a career in residential and housing construction, where scaffolders play a vital role in ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Attractive Earning Potential: With a basic scaffolding qualification, you can earn between $70,000 and $90,000 per year in Australia, making this a lucrative entry-level opportunity.

Perfect for Beginners

If you’re new to scaffolding, this course is the best starting point. You’ll learn the fundamental skills of scaffolding, both in theory and hands-on practice. Plus, you’ll be in a supportive learning environment, working alongside a group of 8-10 people who are just as new to the field as you are.

2. Scaffolding Intermediate: Advance Your Skills for Industrial Work

Course Overview:

• Duration: 4 or 5 days
• Cost: $950
• Accreditation: Nationally accredited (CPCCLSF3001 – Licence to erect, alter and dismantle Scaffolding Basic Level)
• Delivery Method: Face-to-face

Why Enrol in the Intermediate Course?

• Intermediate Skills Training: This course teaches you how to safely erect and dismantle more complex types of scaffolding, including cantilevered platforms, barrow ramps, safety screens, mast climbers, and tube and coupler scaffolds, which are commonly used in industrial settings.
• Master the Tube and Fit Technique: Gain in-depth knowledge of the tube and fit technique, essential for industrial and city-based projects.
• Ideal for Industrial and Urban Construction: Perfect for those aiming to work on industrial sites or in urban environments, where more advanced skills are required.
• Significant Earning Potential: With an Intermediate ticket, you can earn between $120,000 and $150,000 per year in Australia, opening doors to higher-paying job opportunities. It makes you more competitive in the job market, giving you an edge over those with only a basic qualification. This increased skill set allows you to take on more complex projects and secure better-paying jobs.

Prerequisite for the Intermediate Course:

To enrol in this course, you must first have completed the Scaffolding Basic course and obtained the CPCCLSF2001 certification. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge required to succeed in more advanced training.

3. Scaffolding Advanced: Become an Expert in Complex Structures & Offshore Rigging

Course Overview:

• Duration: 4 or 5 days
• Cost: $1,300
• Accreditation: Nationally accredited (CPCCLSF4001 – Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding advanced level)
• Delivery Method: Face-to-face

Why Enrol in the Advanced Course?

• Expert-Level Skills Training: This course equips you with the ability to erect, operate, and dismantle advanced systems, including cantilevered hoists, hung scaffolds (using chains, wire ropes, or tubes), and suspended scaffolds with dual needle systems and powered winches.
• Master the Hung Technique: Learn the sophisticated hung scaffold technique, where scaffolding is built from the structure down—an essential skill for complex and challenging projects.
• Excel in Large-Scale Projects: This course is ideal for experienced scaffolders who want to work on major, high-profile projects, including offshore rigs and other complex structures.
• Maximise Your Earning Potential: With advanced skills, you can earn between $150,000 and $300,000 per year in Australia, positioning yourself for top-tier job opportunities in the industry.

Prerequisites for the Advanced Course:

To enrol in this course, you must have successfully completed:

• The Scaffolding Basic course (CPCCLSF2001)
• The Scaffolding Intermediate course (CPCCLSF3001)

By completing the Scaffolding Advanced course, you’ll become a true expert in the field, capable of handling the most complex and demanding scaffolding projects. This qualification will open doors to prestigious and lucrative positions, including opportunities in offshore rigging and other specialised areas.

4. Scaffolding Intermediate and Advanced Combo: Fast-Track Your Career

Course Overview:

• Duration: 6 days
• Cost: $2,200
• Accreditation: Nationally accredited (CPCCLSF3001 & CPCCLSF4001)
• Delivery Method: Face-to-face

Why Enrol in the Scaffolding Combo Course?

• Get Both Licenses Quickly: Complete both the intermediate and advanced courses in just 6 days.
• Comprehensive Training: Receive comprehensive instruction on both the tube and fit technique and the hung scaffold technique, equipping you with a broad skill set for various complex projects.
• Maximise Your Earnings: With both qualifications, you can significantly increase your earning potential in the scaffolding industry.

Prerequisite for the Combo Course:

To enrol in this course, you must first have completed the Scaffolding Basic course and obtained the CPCCLSF2001 – Licence to Erect, Alter, and Dismantle Scaffolding Basic Level.

Why Choose Saferight for Your Training?

At Saferight, we offer high-quality training with experienced instructors, ensuring you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the scaffolding industry. All our courses are nationally accredited and designed to meet the rigorous demands of the Australian construction industry.

Get All Three Licenses in Just Two Weeks!

For those eager to fast-track their career, start with the Basic course and then move on to the Combo course. Within just two weeks, you can obtain all three licenses and position yourself as a top candidate in the industry.

Visit our website to learn more about our courses and start your journey toward a successful career. With Saferight, your future in the industry is bright.