What is Scaffolding?
Scaffolding work is integral to many construction projects and involves building temporary but structurally sound work platforms that allow other members of the skilled trades to complete their work safely, often providing access to otherwise hard-to-reach places.
Any task that takes more than 15 minutes requires a scaffold. Without scaffolding, craftspeople like pipe fitters and millwrights would not be able to do their jobs safely or effectively. Scaffolding work is needed for the entire duration of any project, which is why it is one of the most in-demand trades in Canada, including BC.
Scaffold Training in BC
Scaffolding has historically been unregulated compared to other skilled trades and is still not recognized as a Red Seal Trade. However, the industry is becoming more standardized, and an increasing number of employers are requesting proof of training.
The British Columbia Regional Council of Carpenters (BCRCC) offers the best scaffolding training in BC. We have two state-of-the-art training centres: one in the Lower Mainland in Delta and the other in Prince George. During training, you will learn different scaffolding types, starting with the tube and clamp, as this is the basis for other systems.
Scaffold Training for People New to the Skilled Trades
You may have heard that scaffolding is one of the best trades in BC because there is plenty of work available. To receive the excellent scaffolding training at the BCRCC, you’ll need to become a member, after which all the training required to be able to work on-site is covered by the union.
To become a journeyperson scaffolder, you must complete a four-year apprenticeship. Each year consists of two levels and includes a combination of theory and work hours on a job site. The apprenticeship culminates in a written exam as well as a practical build exam. After passing these exams, you receive a journeyperson ticket. Although this is not recognized as a Red Seal trade, our tickets are accepted everywhere due to our reputation for excellent training.
Scaffolding Training for Experienced Scaffolders Seeking a Ticket or Union Scaffolding Jobs
If you already have experience with scaffolding or carpentry and are interested in further training or a union scaffold job, you may not need to start from square one. Our reps assess each person on a case-by-case basis to determine what level of training is required. Some things the union will consider are:
- Work experience in scaffolding or carpentry
- A ticket from a different union
- A ticket from a non-union organization
- A record of employment that shows how many hours you have logged working in other relevant trades
Many scaffolders have been working in the industry for several years and have gained valuable experience on the job without having any formal training (because none was available). In this case, we offer a journeyperson upgrader program – a condensed version of our scaffolding apprenticeship program. This course will help scaffolders prepare to take the tests required to achieve their journeyperson certification. (Note that 7800 work hours are also required to become certified via the journeyperson upgrader program).
We welcome journeyperson carpenters who want to also become journeyperson scaffolders. There is an overlap between these skilled trades; so the process of getting ticketed is usually faster than it is for people who are completely new to scaffolding. You may be able to put some of your carpentry apprenticeship experience towards your scaffolding apprenticeship.
Why Take Scaffold Training with the BCRCC?
Whether you’re an experienced scaffolder interested in union scaffolding jobs or are starting from scratch as someone who wants to do scaffold training, there are significant benefits to becoming a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC). Scaffolding is becoming more standardized every day, and the BCRCC offers the gold standard of training. Here are some reasons to join our union:
- From the moment you sign up, all the training required to get you working on a job site is covered by the union
- The BCRCC provides the longest and most in-depth scaffold training in BC
- Our training programs place a huge emphasis on safety
- Our courses involve both classroom time and practical building so that you are learning theory and applying it to real situations on each day of your training
- While doing your apprenticeship, you get a raise every six months until you reach journeyperson level – no need to switch employers to get a raise
- Our scaffolding ticket is highly respected and accepted everywhere
- Enjoy greater job security and higher wages as a journeyperson scaffolder
Career Advancement Training for a Scaffolder in BC
Part of how we offer careers in construction rather than just construction jobs is through our career-advancement training. In addition to safety training, equipment training, and specialized skills training, we offer programs at UBC’s International Training Center in Las Vegas that take our members’ careers to the next level. Beginning in the third year of apprenticeship, members are offered courses to develop:
- Leadership skills
- Relationship management and conflict-resolution skills
- Communication skills
- Empathy skills
- Self-awareness skills
…and more!
These skills help you become a more effective scaffolder and job site leader by enhancing your ability to integrate into a team, communicate effectively, and contribute to a healthy, productive job site culture. This not only reduces costly staff turnover but also helps contractors succeed and bid on more projects, thus providing more work for our members.
