You could say some people are lucky to know exactly what they want to do with their lives before they've even left school. On the flip side, you might argue it’s a little unlucky to be so laser-focused on one path that they miss all the other exciting opportunities they otherwise might have considered or favoured.
Options Galore for School-Leavers
For the youngsters who have an idea about what path they want to take, statistics from 2023 showed that only [1]36% of students feel prepared for their future job. Leaving us with the question, “How do we prepare the younger generation for future roles?”
Further research was conducted by Reed, an employment agency, which found that out of 2000 UK parents with children, 36% of the parents believed that responsibility fell on the school to provide career advice to their child. Whereas, 41% of teenagers said the best career advice they received was in fact from their parents.
The evidence suggests there's an ongoing debate about whose responsibility it is to provide solid career advice to the next generation. Should schools or parents take the lead, or does the burden fall elsewhere?
One thing’s for sure: school-leavers today have more career paths than ever before. With 57% heading to university, 22% starting apprenticeships, 9% opting for traineeships, and 5% jumping straight into work.
University VS Apprenticeships
Both university and apprenticeships come with their own set of pros and cons. At university, you can choose from thousands of courses in a field you're passionate about, which keeps your career options more open-ended. However, the cost of tuition is something to consider, as you'll start repaying it once you land a full-time job. On the plus side, you'll gain plenty of soft skills, such as independence and time management gained from living away from home, and these are transferable to any job.
On the other hand, apprenticeships offer the chance to jump straight into the workforce, gaining valuable hands-on experience while earning a salary. While you’ll need to balance some coursework with full-time work, the good news is you won't face tuition fees, and you’ll start building industry contacts from day one. It’s all about weighing what works best for your goals and lifestyle.
As the title of this article hints, we’re exploring how to break into the scaffolding industry through an apprenticeship. But before we get to the "how," let’s talk about why choose scaffolding in the first place. Spoiler alert, there’s more to it than just climbing ladders.
Why Choose Scaffolding?
[2]With construction booming across the U.K., the demand for skilled scaffolders is on the rise. Those equipped with the right qualifications are in high demand, and that means a strong sense of job security for anyone entering the field. There is also high earning potential for those willing to progress within the industry, meaning great career progression in return. There are a variety of different career paths to take and develop within the industry, from supervisor, manager, scaffold designer, and site safety inspector to setting up your own business and more.
One thing’s certain: scaffolding is exciting, challenging work. While it’s physically demanding, you’ll definitely save on that gym membership and get to work on a variety of exciting projects. Whether it’s large-scale construction or small domestic jobs, no two days are the same. Plus, you’ll sharpen key skills like problem-solving and teamwork, along with broader skills that are transferable to other roles and industries. It’s a hands-on career that keeps you on your toes.
If you’re somebody who hates the thought of a 9 to 5 office job or being stuck behind a desk, then look no place further. Scaffolding allows you to travel across the UK while working on different projects. From seeing Devon to Scotland, this is a great way to experience new places.
Of course, while on the road and working on different projects, you will most certainly form close-knit bonds with the team, creating a comfortable, enjoyable environment that reinforces the sense of community, something which the scaffolding has been long known for.
Apprenticeships Explained
So, now we’ve covered the need to understand why you want to become a Scaffold Apprentice, let’s investigate how we do this.
Apprenticeships are divided into four key education levels, each offering different qualifications:
- Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2): This is equivalent to GCSEs.
- Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3): Equivalent to A Levels.
- Higher Apprenticeship (Levels 4, 5, 6, and 7): These are on par with a Foundation degree and above.
- Degree Apprenticeship (Levels 6 and 7): These are the equivalent of a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Each level gives you the chance to learn and earn qualifications, making it easier to see what fits your career goals.
Typically, most scaffolding apprenticeships start at Level 2 with some requiring a GCSE in Maths and English to begin, but depending on the apprenticeship provider, this is flexible. The average scaffolding apprenticeship takes 2 years to complete covering the practical principles in many key areas such as manual handling practices, general workplace safety, and knowledge in setting up a variety of scaffolds such as Birdcage, Tower, Cantilever, Gantry, and Roof scaffolds. It’s also possible of an earning potential of around £40,000 after some apprenticeship programmes, depending on the length and qualifications earned.
It is recommended to explore different apprenticeship options, as some will offer additional training courses that will be beneficial in the long term, especially if you’re someone hungry for career progression. Many scaffolding and construction firms offer their own apprenticeship schemes, allowing you to not only train and learn with a reputable company but to be taken on permanently at the end of the apprenticeship working with a well-known, popular brand.
Navigating Life After School with Useful Resources
So, have a Google or a think about what kind of company you would want to learn with, have a look around when you’re next walking down the road at the scaffolding companies that surround your area, and inquire about an apprenticeship role. Apprenticeships are advertised on the government website, as well as apprenticeship-focused websites, such as www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk
Life after school can feel like a wild mix of nerves and excitement, but that’s all part of the adventure. Take time to explore your options, and more importantly, enjoy the ride.
[2] https://www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com/10-great-reasons-to-work-in-scaffolding
