Scaffolder
Metal and steel operative · Technical · Onsite Construction
The official framework — 62 requirements.
Every Knowledge, Skill and Behaviour below is the verbatim regulatory text of the Scaffolder apprenticeship standard (v1.2). On EngTree, each one becomes a node — verified knowledge entries, training modules and End-Point Assessment evidence all map back to it.
Knowledge (34)
What the apprentice must understand
- K1
Awareness of health and safety regulations, relevance to the occupation and the operative's responsibilities. Health and Safety at Work Act Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Manual handling. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Work at height. Working in confined spaces. Situational awareness. Isolation and emergency stop procedures. Emergency evacuation procedures. Slips, trips and falls. Safety equipment: guards, signage, fire extinguishers.
- K2
Scaffold guidance (quality): manufacturer’s instructions, National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) guidance Technical Guidance (TG)20 (Good Practice guidance for Tube and fitting Scaffolding Safety Guidance, system manufacturer’s user guides, SG4, (Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations) SG6 (Manual Handling in the Scaffolding Industry) TG4 (Stability, ties and anchors) statutory regulations, British and European Standards.
- K3
Purpose of company, site induction and toolbox talks.
- K4
Provision for the safety of themselves, the workforce, the public affected by scaffolding work, and future users of the scaffold structure: use of personal fall protection equipment correctly, use of warning signs and physical barriers, making scaffold structures safe from access when incomplete during breaks and end of the day.
- K5
The types and uses of scaffolding material: tools, tethering, fittings, tube, boards, or system equipment.
- K6
Common scaffold materials: tubes, boards, decking, prefabricated components, systems and fittings, purpose, and use.
- K7
The methods of inspection and servicing scaffold materials, components and tools.
- K8
The methods of founding scaffolds on differing types of surfaces: soft ground, concrete, and steel.
- K9
Scaffolding in public places and pavements: local authority regulations, safety methods and walkways.
- K10
The different techniques and methods used to move, handle and store materials, components and equipment.
- K11
The methods and principles for protecting the public and others during work activities and site security arrangements.
- K12
Methods of interpreting and extracting relevant information from drawings, specifications, work instructions manufacturer’s instructions. The procedures for when this information may be incorrect.
- K13
Verbal communication techniques.
- K14
Team working techniques.
- K15
Methods of attaching and spacing ledgers, bracing and transoms to support working platforms and strengthen the scaffold structure.
- K16
Methods of erecting, altering, and dismantling independent scaffolds with feature, towers, birdcages, chimney stacks, loading bays with or without beams, truss outs with beams, splays, and bridging sections with beams and gantry scaffolds.
- K17
Methods of erecting, altering, and dismantling independent with stairway access and returns and putlog scaffolds.
- K18
Methods of erecting, dismantling independent scaffolds.
- K19
Methods of raising and lowering materials using rope and gin wheel and rope, light lines, and safety knots.
- K20
Access and work at height equipment: safe use of industry recognised safe systems of work, use of scaffolding steps, personal safety harness, lanyards and inertia reels.
- K21
The statutory requirements for access: ladder towers, stairways, internal and external ladders.
- K22
The types, uses and purpose of prefabricated components (for example beams, ladders, gates), the rules for their assembly and connection to scaffold structures.
- K23
Methods of attaching spurs and supports to scaffolds.
- K24
The purpose, types, uses of cantilever sections.
- K25
Loadings of cantilever sections. The methods of transferring cantilever section loadings back to the main scaffold structure.
- K26
The spacing of scaffold ties to restrain sheeted and un-sheeted scaffolds from bespoke design drawing.
- K27
The regulations governing the inspection of basic scaffolds: work at height regulations, inspection frequency, report details, date time, position of scaffold inspected, name of the inspector, document storage and retention.
- K28
Awareness of risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work, and implementing control measures.
- K29
Methods of safely erecting, moving, and dismantling prefabricated aluminium towers.
- K30
Environmental responsibilities: organisational procedures, manufacturers’ information, statutory regulations, and official guidance regarding the disposal of waste and types of practices necessary to support achievement of UK’s sustainability and net zero goals.
- K31
Awareness of issues and common symptoms and warning signs of stress, anxiety and depression, plus where to go for help and the resources available.
- K32
Equity, diversity and inclusion, in the workplace.
- K33
Calculation techniques: component quantities.
- K34
Pre-handover scaffold inspection techniques.
Skills (22)
What the apprentice must be able to do
- S1
Follow procedures in line with health and safety regulations, standards, and scaffold guidance (quality).
- S2
Comply with risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work.
- S3
Inspect and select serviceable scaffold materials, components, and tools before use and escalate defects.
- S4
Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
- S5
Carry, raise, lower, scaffold materials on a working platform.
- S6
Move and store components tools and equipment.
- S7
Install scaffold cantilevered structural components according to requirements of industry guidance and manufacturer’s instructions.
- S8
Protect others within the working vicinity. For example, the public through signage, barriers.
- S9
Install spurs and supports on cantilever sections.
- S10
Select, space, and install the correct number of ties to restrain un-sheeted scaffolds to industry guidance and manufacturer’s instructions.
- S11
Determine the component requirements for independent scaffolding.
- S12
Organise materials to operate within the industry and manufacturers configurations and tolerances.
- S13
Use lifting equipment safely to haul up scaffold components and equipment to working platform.
- S14
Lay out materials, set out scaffolds to erect and dismantle scaffolds in a safe sequence.
- S15
Inspect scaffolds prior to hand over.
- S16
Use access and work at height equipment in accordance with training, relevant regulations and employer’s and manufacturer’s instructions.
- S17
Erect and dismantle independent with cantilever section to a maximum height of 2m working platform.
- S18
Erect and dismantle independent scaffolds, with features for example, towers, birdcages, chimney stacks, loading bays with or without beams, truss outs with beams, splays, and bridging sections with beams and gantry scaffolds.
- S19
Communicate with others verbally for example, internal and external customers, colleagues, and managers.
- S20
Apply team working principles.
- S21
Interpret information from drawings and specifications.
- S22
Follow equity, diversity and inclusion guidelines.
Behaviours (6)
How the apprentice must conduct themselves
- B1
Puts health safety and wellbeing first.
- B2
Take ownership of given work within the limits of own competence knowing when to seek advice.
- B3
Team-focused to meet work goals.
- B4
Committed to continued professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance competence in their own area of practice.
- B5
Considers the environment and sustainability.
- B6
Apply equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in dealing with others.
This framework is where Pathways
meets verified knowledge.
Scenarios practise these requirements. Verified entries teach them. The evidence portfolio proves them. One spine, three surfaces.