How to Get Your Scaffolding Ticket

With more and more developments underway in major cities across Australia, scaffolders are always in high demand. A scaffolding career will challenge you and offer you many opportunities, but you must make sure you have your scaffolding ticket or licence to operate safely.

Scaffolders require detailed knowledge and skill sets to operate. Building scaffolding the right way is completely safe, but for the inexperienced, it can be dangerous. Not only for them, but also for others working on those construction sites, and the general public too.

States around Australia require scaffolders to undertake adequate training to operate. If you’re looking for a career in the construction industry that is set to grow then scaffolding might be perfect for you.

We’ve answered some of the major questions we get from those wanting to enter the scaffolding and construction industries.

When do you need a scaffolding ticket?

A high-risk work licence is needed for high-risk jobs such as operating a forklift, dogging, rigging and scaffolding. Individuals must possess the appropriate high-risk work licence before performing high-risk work.

There are three hierarchical classes of scaffolding, namely:

• Basic Scaffolding – covers basic prefabricated scaffolds and barrow hoists
• Intermediate scaffolding work – covers basic scaffolding work plus performing intermediate scaffolding duties (Erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding Intermediate Level)
• Advanced scaffolding – includes cantilevered hoists, hung scaffolds and suspended scaffolds

You must complete the appropriate scaffolding high-risk work (HRW) ticket licence training certificate course to gain a Statement of Attainment and obtain a ticket relevant to the finished course level.

You can obtain a basic to an advanced licence as you complete the necessary scaffolding qualifications.

To operate as a scaffolder anywhere in Australia you must have your ticket or licence issued by WorkSafe.

How high can you build a scaffold without a licence?

According to Safework NSW, it is illegal to build scaffolding more than 4 meters, or where a person or object may fall more than 4 meters, without a scaffolding licence. Workers who are caught doing this will face fines of up to $3,600 on the spot.

How to get a scaffold ticket?

To receive your ticket or licence you can enrol with a certified and accredited national course provider like CERT Training.

CERT can provide training and upskilling for your WorkSafe High-Risk Work Licence at the beginner, intermediate or advanced levels for West Australian residents.

To become a qualified scaffolder, you need to gain a qualification in scaffolding in order to obtain the appropriate High-Risk Work Licence classes.

After completing the unit of competency “Licence to Erect, Alter and Dismantle Scaffolding”, you will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment, which is required to apply for a basic scaffolding ticket in Perth, WA and other states in Australia.

You have to start with your beginner licence and once completed can add additional classes to your licence by undertaking progressive courses.

Upon successful completion of your scaffolding course, WorkSafe WA will issue you with your High-Risk Work Licence to allow you to operate in the industry.

You can obtain the following scaffolding HRW ticket licence as you progress through the course:

• Basic Scaffolding – National High Risk Work Licence SB
• Intermediate scaffolding work – SI high-risk work licence
• Advanced scaffolding – SA high-risk work licence

Read the official application guide here.

What will I learn in a scaffolding course?

The courses cover all aspects of safely constructing and working with scaffolding. Scaffolding training covers the essential competencies for basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of scaffolding progressively. This includes:

• Skills and knowledge to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
• How to plan a scaffolding job
• Inspecting scaffold and equipment
• Appropriate communication methods and equipment
• Performing tasks using lifting techniques
• Tagging defective scaffolds and equipment

How long does it take to get a scaffolding ticket?

To become a certified scaffolder, and receive your WorkSafe High-Risk Work Licence, you must complete your beginner level licence for scaffolding first. This course can be undertaken in just 5 days with an accredited and licenced certifier such as CERT.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a career in the construction industry then scaffolding could provide you with many opportunities. Completing your licence for scaffolding work will set you up for a long career in a dynamic and high-demand industry. Get your career off to the right start with your statement of attainment and licence to erect scaffolding today.

Enrol in CERT Training now and kick start your construction career with a basic scaffolding ticket in Perth.

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