Apprenticeship ยท Level 5 ยท Construction

Scaffolding

Scaffolders put up, check and take down scaffolding on building sites. It suits people who like working outdoors and at heights.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
2 years
Award
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Scaffolding
Where you train
  • National Construction Training Campus, Mount Lucas, Daingean, Co. Offaly (managed by Laois and Offaly ETB)
Pay
Salary from your employer while training on-the-job and off-the-job (rate agreed with employer)
Costs
No student contribution

Entry requirements

  • Must be hired by an approved employer
  • Full eligibility criteria are in the Scaffolding brochure

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. Search the Apprenticeship Jobs page or ask your local ETB. Contact Laois and Offaly ETB, who manage this apprenticeship.

National Construction Training Campus, Mount Lucas โ†— Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Know the different scaffolding systems in use
  • Plan, measure, assemble and dismantle scaffolding
  • Inspect and maintain scaffolding parts
  • Spot hazards and deal with incidents safely
  • Communicate decisions clearly to others

Where it can lead

  • Scaffolder in the construction industry
  • Progress within the sector
  • Move on to higher education programmes

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Construction Studies, Engineering

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Other Construction apprenticeships

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.