Scaffolding

Scaffolders enjoy working in teams, solving problems, and building complex structures. If this sounds like a great way to spend your working day, you could have a bright future as a scaffolder.

Find out more about what scaffolders do, and where your career can take you.

Why become a scaffolder?

What do scaffolders do?

Scaffolders are a vital part of any construction work, and there’s always work to be done! With a career in scaffolding you’ll be involved with a wide array of jobs, including transportation, planning and measuring, erecting and securing scaffolding, performing safety checks, and dismantling.

On any given day you could be:

Building scaffolding and platforms for high-rise building constructions
Working as part of a project team to get seating built at a raceway
Installing edge protection a residential home for Roof repairs
Building scaffolding for art installations and museums
Erecting work platforms for reconstruction work in heritage buildings.

Where can I go?

Once you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll be awarded your New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Trade) (Level 4). This means you’ll be able to work as a scaffolder on many sites around New Zealand. From there you’ll be able to get further qualified which will allow you to take on more specialised scaffolding roles or move into supervisory roles. As your experience grows, so will your career opportunities. Many scaffolders eventually go on to start their own business, move into construction management, or a health and safety advisory role.

Apprenticeship

All scaffolders start at the beginning – training under a supervisor. The best way to do this is to enter an apprenticeship. During your apprenticeship you’ll learn the skills you need to become a fully qualified scaffolder. Find out more about how your apprenticeship is structured, how long it will take, and how much it will cost

It’s quicker than you think to become fully qualified

An apprenticeship to become a scaffolder normally takes approximately 3 years. Regularly working through your study and attending the theory courses will help you finish on-time.

On-job and off-job learning

There are two main components to your training as an apprentice:

On-job learning

This is the practical learning side of your apprenticeship where you get assessed on the tasks you do at work. A supervisor will teach you how to do things and make sure you learn how to do them correctly. You submit assessment sheets and evidence (e.g. photos and drawing plans) that prove you can do these tasks and this will give you credits towards your qualification.

Off-job learning

This is the side of your apprenticeship where you’ll learn important scaffolding theory and carry out a range of practical builds in a structured learning environment away from your workplace. This off-job block course training is available nationwide.

What does it cost?

One of the best things about being an apprentice is that you’re earning while you’re learning. That means you don’t need to fork out for large student loans or work multiple jobs.

Even more good news: Since the New Zealand government is right behind getting people into trades, they help subsidise your training.

This apprenticeship doesn’t have a fixed cost because it’s based around competency. This means you finish when you can prove to your assessor that you can do the job. Because of this the cost is worked out “per week” and covers all your training. After the government subsidy, it will cost you $41.50 per week. You might be eligible for fees free – check here at the Tertiary Education Commision site.

Please note: EarnLearn | Te Pūkenga makes every effort to ensure that the information provided on this website is accurate and up-to-date. However the information given, including fees information and the availability and structure of courses, are regularly reviewed and no warranty or representation is given about the ongoing accuracy of such information. All fees may change without notice. EarnLearn | Te Pūkenga does not accept liability for any losses or damage that happen directly or indirectly from you relying on the information on this website.

Height safety

Please contact us for Height Safety Contracted providers.

Scaffolding Courses

There are some other great qualifications in scaffolding that are available. Click on the titles below to read more about these qualifications.

New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 5) (Advanced)

If you’re a qualified and experienced scaffolder this is your next step up from your Intermediate qualification. This programme is one of the requirements of applying for your Advanced CoC through the Scaffolding, Access, and Rigging Association of New Zealand (SARNZ).

The New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 5) (Advanced) is an 18-month programme achieved through block courses and on-the-job learning. This course includes the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Proprietary Suspended), Level 3.

This programme will cost $5,150.00.

You will need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 4) (Trade) or National Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 4) (Intermediate) to enter this programme. You will need to be currently employed within the scaffolding industry and have a supervisor who is willing and able to verify your on-job work.

If you are interested in applying, please contact Tai Poutini Polytechnic on 0800 800 411.

New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Trade) (Level 4)

If you have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (General) (Level 3) or hold the Elementary CoC and want to progress your career in scaffolding, then this programme is your next step up. The New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Trade) (Level 4) is achieved through block courses and on-the-job learning and can be a part of the scaffolding apprenticeship in conjunction with the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (General) (Level 3).

This programme is one of the requirements of applying for your Intermediate CoC through the Scaffolding, Access, and Rigging Association of New Zealand (SARNZ).

This programme will cost $41.50 per week or $2,158.00.

You will need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (General) (Level 3) or an equivalent qualification to enter this programme. You will also need to be currently employed within the scaffolding industry and have a supervisor who is willing and able to verify your on-job work

New Zealand Certificate of Scaffolding (Level 3) (General)

If you’re interested in a career in scaffolding but your company doesn’t have the range of work required for the scaffolding apprenticeship, you can still enter into the New Zealand Certificate of Scaffolding (Level 3) (General).

This course is one of the requirements of applying for your Elementary CoC through the Scaffolding, Access, and Rigging Association of New Zealand (SARNZ).

The New Zealand Certificate of Scaffolding (Level 3) (General) takes between 18 – 22 months to complete and is done through block courses, on-the-job learning and verification.

This programme will cost $49.50 per week or $2,574.00.

There are no prerequisites to entering this programme. You will need to be currently employed within the scaffolding industry and have a supervisor who is willing and able to verify your on-job work.

To register your interest and to receive updates, email: support@earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz

New Zealand Certificate of Scaffolding (Level 3) (Proprietary Suspended)

If you’re working within the scaffolding industry specialising in suspended scaffolding, this programme is a must-have. This programme is one of the requirements of applying for your Suspended CoC through the Scaffolding, Access, and Rigging Association of New Zealand (SARNZ).

The New Zealand Certificate of Scaffolding (Level 3) (Proprietary Suspended) takes approximately 11 months to complete and is achieved through block courses and on-the-job learning.

This programme will cost $2,550.00.

There are no prerequisites to entering this programme. You will need to be currently employed within the scaffolding industry and have a supervisor who is willing and able to verify your on-job work.

If you are interested in applying, please contact Tai Poutini Polytechnic on 0800 800 411.

Certificate Only Process: Recognising your scaffolding experience

Have you got scaffolding unit standards and want the qualification?

You can now apply to have your scaffolding units awarded to a New Zealand Certificate. You will need to provide confirmation from your employer that you have the competencies to gain the qualification.

How to get started

Scaffolding programme block course 1 start dates for 2024

EarnLearn partners with Tai Poutini Polytechnic (TPP) and the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) to deliver high quality training to the country’s scaffolding sector. Dates are now available for the below courses for 2024.

NZ Certificate in Scaffolding General

Level 3 NZQA #3708 | 120 Credits | 2 years

NZ Apprenticeship in Scaffolding Trade

Level 4 NZQA # 3710| 190 Credits | 3 years

NZ Apprenticeship in Scaffolding Trade Year 3 Only

Level 4 NZQA #3710| 86 Credits | 12-15 months

Upcoming block course start date locations:

Location	Block course 1 start dates
Tai Poutini: New location map attached here
Auckland	12 February 2024 15 April 2024 20 May 2024
Hamilton	8 April 2024
Napier	1 July 2024
Palmerston North	17 June 2024
Tauranga	11 May 2024
Wellington	6 May 2024
Nelson	6 May 2024
Christchurch	29 May 2024
Dunedin	15 April 2024
Western Institute of Technology:
New Plymouth	13 May 2024