Scaffolding Training School
Become a certified Scaffold Erector in just 2 weeks at Real Skills Technical FET — erect, use and dismantle access scaffolding safely to industry standard.
Scaffolding training at Real Skills Technical FET is a 2-week intensive programme aligned to SAQA US 263245 — Erect, Use and Dismantle Access Scaffolding, NQF Level 3, quality-assured by CETA (Construction Education and Training Authority). The course develops the complete practical skill set of a professional scaffold erector — covering drawing interpretation, resource coordination, OHS Act compliance, fall protection, erecting and dismantling access scaffolding structures to a maximum height of 12 metres, and the safe use of scaffolding equipment and components. Graduates receive a Certificate of Competence and a Scaffold Erector Licence, qualifying them to work as scaffold erectors on construction sites, mines, refineries, and industrial facilities across South Africa and the region.
Scaffolding Training — Course Overview
Our scaffolding course is built around intensive, integrated practical and theory sessions. Every day combines the OHS Act knowledge and drawing interpretation skills with hands-on scaffold erection and dismantling practice — giving learners the understanding and the physical competency to safely lead a scaffold team. The course is structured across 2 progressive weeks, from safety foundations and scaffold component knowledge through to full scaffold erection, inspection, and final competency assessment.
Scaffold Erector Qualification — Certificate + Licence
2-week intensive programme — erect, use & dismantle access scaffolding · OHS Act compliance · fall protection · drawings · inspection
- 2-week full-time practical & theory training
- OHS Act compliance for scaffolding work
- Fall protection planning and procedures
- Scaffold component identification & handling
- Interpreting scaffold drawings and instructions
- Coordinating resources for scaffold erection
- Erecting access scaffolding to 12m platform height
- Safe use of scaffolding platforms and access
- Inspection of completed scaffold structures
- Dismantling and site clearance procedures
- SAQA 263245 · NQF Level 3 · CETA accredited
- Certificate of Competence + Scaffold Erector Licence
SAQA US 263245 — Erect, Use and Dismantle Access Scaffolding
SAQA Unit Standard 263245 is the nationally registered NQF Level 3 unit standard titled Erect, Use and Dismantle Access Scaffolding, quality-assured by CETA (Construction Education and Training Authority). This unit standard defines the full scope of competency required of a Scaffold Erector — a designated competent person responsible for the safe erection, use, inspection and dismantling of access scaffolding in construction, mining, industrial and petrochemical environments.
The purpose of this unit standard is to provide scaffold erectors with the regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, safety guidelines and procedures needed to recognise and eliminate hazards in scaffolding work, and the practical skills to lead a scaffold team in safely and efficiently deploying, using and dismantling access scaffolding. Our training at Real Skills Technical FET covers every specific outcome required to qualify as a certified Scaffold Erector under SAQA 263245.
Training Modules — What You Master in 2 Weeks
Drawing Interpretation
Reading and interpreting basic drawings, specifications and instructions for access scaffolding erection tasks
Resource Coordination
Coordinating labour, materials and equipment required for the erection and dismantling of access scaffolding
OHS Act Compliance
OHS Act regulations applicable to scaffold work — hot work permits, hazard identification, PPE requirements and scaffold regulations
Fall Protection
Fall protection planning, working at height safety procedures, fall arrest techniques and emergency response on scaffold structures
Scaffold Components
Identifying, handling and inspecting scaffold tubes, couplers, boards, base plates, ledgers, transoms and accessories
Scaffold Erection
Erecting access scaffolding structures on level and uneven ground — standards, ledgers, bracing and platform boards to 12m height
Scaffold Use & Access
Safe access to scaffold platforms, platform integrity inspection, load limits, guardrails, toe boards and safe working procedures
Scaffold Inspection
Inspecting erected scaffold structures for structural integrity, plumb and level, component condition and compliance with drawings
Dismantling & Clearance
Safe sequential dismantling of scaffold structures, component sorting and storage, site clearance and handover procedures
2-Week Training Structure — Week by Week
The scaffolding course follows a carefully sequenced two-week progression — Week 1 builds the safety, theoretical and component knowledge foundation; Week 2 focuses entirely on practical scaffold erection, inspection, dismantling and final competency assessment.
Week 1 — Safety Foundations, Theory & Scaffold Components
Week 1 Training Programme
- OHS Act & Scaffolding Regulations: Occupational Health & Safety Act requirements specific to scaffolding work — scaffold regulations, designated competent person duties, hot-work procedures, permit-to-work systems and legal responsibilities of the scaffold erector on site
- Hazard identification and risk assessment: Identifying hazards associated with scaffolding work — overloading, uneven ground, defective components, adverse weather, proximity to live electrical conductors, overhead services and excavations near scaffold footings
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE requirements for scaffold work — hard hats, safety harnesses, safety boots, gloves, high-visibility vests and eye protection. Donning, inspection and maintenance of harness and fall arrest equipment
- Fall protection planning: Developing and implementing a basic fall protection plan for a scaffolding task — identifying fall hazards, selecting control measures, setting up anchor points, and safe use of fall arrest lanyards and full-body harness while working at height
- Scaffold component identification and handling: Identifying and naming all components of a tube-and-coupler and system scaffold — standards (verticals), ledgers (horizontals), transoms, base plates, sole plates, couplers (right-angle, swivel, sleeve), scaffold boards, toe boards and guardrails. Safe manual handling and stacking of scaffold tubes and boards
- Reading and interpreting scaffold drawings and instructions: Interpreting basic scaffold arrangement drawings and erection instructions — identifying lift heights, bay widths, tie positions, bracing requirements and special features from drawings and written specifications
- Introduction to scaffolding systems: Understanding the nature and scope of access scaffolding — types of scaffold (independent, putlog, birdcage, tower), their applications on construction and industrial sites, and how scaffold type affects erection sequence and component selection
Week 2 — Scaffold Erection, Use, Inspection & Assessment
Week 2 Training Programme
- Scaffold erection — ground preparation and base setting: Surveying the erection area, placing sole boards and base plates, setting out bay widths and lift heights, positioning the first lift of standards and ledgers on level and uneven ground, and checking for plumb and level using spirit levels and plumb bobs
- Erecting multi-lift scaffold structures: Building scaffold structures progressively — fitting transoms, intermediate transoms, ledger bracing, diagonal face bracing, and plan bracing at each lift level. Tying scaffold to the structure using through ties, reveal ties and anchor bolts at specified tie spacings from the erection drawing
- Platform installation and safe access: Laying and securing scaffold boards to form a complete working platform — full boarding, end overhang compliance, board-to-board gaps, toe boards and guardrails at the correct heights. Installing safe ladder access through trapdoor platforms at each lift level
- Scaffold inspection — pre-use and handover: Conducting a systematic pre-use inspection of a completed scaffold structure — checking standards for plumb, ledgers for level, couplers for tightness, boards for condition, ties for integrity, and access for compliance. Completing a scaffold inspection register and tagging the structure for use
- Scaffold dismantling procedures: Safe sequential dismantling of an access scaffold from the top lift down — removing boards, guardrails, bracing and ledgers in the correct reverse order, safely lowering materials to ground level, sorting and storing components correctly, and conducting a site clearance and handover inspection
- Practical trade assessment — SAQA 263245: Full practical competency assessment covering all specific outcomes of SAQA US 263245 — erecting, using and dismantling access scaffolding assessed by a CETA-recognised assessor against the NQF Level 3 unit standard. Candidates assessed as Competent or Not Yet Competent
- Certificate of Competence and Scaffold Erector Licence issued: Successful candidates receive their Certificate of Competence aligned to SAQA US 263245 and their Scaffold Erector Licence — qualifying them as certified scaffold erectors, recognised by construction and industrial employers across South Africa
Book Your Scaffolding Training
2 weeks. R5,000. SAQA 263245. Full practical training. Certificate of Competence + Scaffold Erector Licence. Free accommodation included.
Your Credentials on Completion — Certificate + Licence
Candidates who achieve full competency across the practical assessment receive two formal credentials from Real Skills Technical FET, both aligned to SAQA US 263245 and quality-assured by CETA. These credentials are recognised by construction contractors, mines, refineries, industrial plant operators and engineering companies across South Africa and the region.
Certificate of Competence
An official Certificate of Competence aligned to SAQA US 263245, issued by Real Skills Technical FET and quality-assured by CETA. The certificate confirms your competency across the full scope of the unit standard — drawing interpretation, resource coordination, OHS Act compliance, fall protection, erecting, using and dismantling access scaffolding. This is the primary document required by construction and industrial employers when hiring scaffold erectors for site work.
Scaffold Erector Licence
A Scaffold Erector Licence aligned to SAQA US 263245, issued alongside the Certificate of Competence on successful completion of the practical assessment. The licence identifies the holder as a designated competent person for the erection, use and dismantling of access scaffolding to the maximum height specified — required by the OHS Act to be on site for all scaffold work. This licence is the document site managers, safety officers and engineering inspectors check before allowing scaffolding to proceed.
Entry Requirements — Who Can Enrol
✅ Scaffolding Training Entry Requirements
No prior scaffolding experience required — we build your skills from foundations up over 2 weeks of intensive training
Our admissions team will assess your background and confirm your readiness. The course is designed to take a motivated candidate with no prior scaffolding background through to fully licensed scaffold erector in just 2 weeks. Physical fitness and the ability to work comfortably at height are the most important requirements.
Free Accommodation — Train From Anywhere
Why Scaffold Erectors Are in Constant Demand
Every construction project, mine expansion, refinery shutdown, and industrial maintenance programme requires access scaffolding — and every scaffold structure legally requires a qualified, licenced scaffold erector to supervise erection and dismantling. South Africa faces a persistent shortage of SAQA-qualified scaffold erectors, creating strong, consistent demand across all major industries.
Strong Earnings
A licensed scaffold erector earns between R10,000 and R22,000 per month on construction and industrial sites — with shutdown and contract rates on mines and refineries considerably higher for qualified, licensed erectors.
Legal Requirement on Every Site
The OHS Act and Construction Regulations require a designated competent scaffold erector on site whenever scaffolding is erected or dismantled. Your SAQA 263245 licence makes you a legal requirement — not just a preference — for contractors and site managers.
Construction Boom
South Africa's infrastructure build — roads, bridges, power stations, housing and commercial developments — continuously generates demand for access scaffolding and the qualified erectors who erect and manage it safely.
Petrochemical & Refinery Shutdowns
Planned maintenance shutdowns at Sasol, refineries, power stations and chemical plants use massive volumes of scaffolding and require large teams of licensed scaffold erectors for short-term high-paying shutdown contracts.
Mining Sector Demand
Gold, platinum, coal and chrome mining operations require access scaffolding for structural maintenance, shaft work, plant maintenance and conveyor structure access — creating ongoing demand for licenced scaffold erectors at mine sites.
Clear Career Progression
Start as a Scaffold Erector, progress to Scaffold Supervisor (SAQA 263224), then Scaffold Inspector (SAQA 263205). The scaffolding qualification pathway leads directly to site management and health and safety roles in construction and industrial environments.
Career Paths After Scaffolding Training
Construction Site Erector
Erect, maintain and dismantle access scaffolding on building and civil construction projects across South Africa.
Refinery & Petrochemical
Shutdown contract scaffold erector at refineries, chemical plants and power stations — high demand, high earnings.
Mine Site Scaffolding
Access scaffolding for mining structures, shaft maintenance, plant access and underground support structures.
Scaffold Inspector
Progress to SAQA 263205 Scaffold Inspector — inspecting and signing off scaffold structures as safe for use across all industries.
Scaffold Supervisor
Lead scaffold teams on large construction projects — SAQA 263224 Scaffold Supervisor qualification available as a progression course.
Africa-Wide Projects
Infrastructure and mining projects across sub-Saharan Africa actively recruit SAQA-qualified South African scaffold erectors.
Job Assistance Programme
Industry Connections
We work directly with construction companies, scaffolding contractors, mining operators, petrochemical shutdown specialists and plant maintenance companies who regularly hire our SAQA 263245 certified scaffold erector graduates.
CV Preparation
We help you present your Certificate of Competence and Scaffold Erector Licence correctly on your CV — maximising your impact with site managers, safety officers, HR departments, and engineering contractors looking for qualified erectors.
Vacancy Alerts
Registration in our graduate database means direct notification of scaffold erector vacancies at partner companies — often before positions are publicly advertised. Scaffolding vacancies fill fast; our network gets you there first.
Graduate Network
Join a growing community of working Real Skills scaffold erectors across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa — sharing job leads, shutdown contract opportunities, and practical field knowledge from active construction and industrial sites.
Get Your Scaffold Erector Certificate & Licence — Start Next Intake
2 weeks. R5,000. SAQA 263245. Certificate of Competence + Scaffold Erector Licence. Free accommodation. Job placement assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about scaffolding training at Real Skills Technical FET
A scaffold erector is a designated competent person responsible for the safe erection, use, inspection and dismantling of access scaffolding on construction, mining and industrial sites. Scaffolding training at Real Skills is a 2-week intensive course aligned to SAQA US 263245, CETA accredited — covering OHS Act compliance, fall protection, drawing interpretation, scaffold component handling, erecting access scaffolding to 12m, inspection and dismantling. Graduates receive a Certificate of Competence and a Scaffold Erector Licence.
The scaffolding training course runs for 2 weeks (10 full working days), Monday to Friday. Week 1 covers OHS Act compliance, fall protection planning, PPE, hazard identification, scaffold component identification, drawing interpretation, and scaffolding system theory. Week 2 covers practical scaffold erection on level and uneven ground, platform installation, access, scaffold inspection, dismantling, site clearance, and final practical competency assessment aligned to SAQA 263245.
You receive two credentials: (1) a Certificate of Competence aligned to SAQA US 263245, quality-assured by CETA — confirming full scaffold erector competency; and (2) a Scaffold Erector Licence — required by the OHS Act to be on site whenever access scaffolding is erected or dismantled. Both credentials are recognised by construction contractors, mines, refineries and industrial employers across South Africa.
Scaffolding training costs R5,000 — all-inclusive. This covers the full 2-week course, all training equipment and materials, the formal CETA-aligned practical assessment, your Certificate of Competence, your Scaffold Erector Licence, job placement assistance, and free accommodation for the full 2 weeks next to the training facility. No hidden costs.
Prior scaffolding experience is not required. The minimum requirement is Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) education, basic literacy and numeracy, physical fitness for work at height, and the ability to attend full-time for 2 weeks. Candidates must be comfortable working at height — a valid medical certificate confirming fitness for work at height is strongly recommended before starting the course.
Yes. Real Skills Technical FET provides free student accommodation for the entire 2-week course for all scaffolding training students, located next to the training facility. Whether you're from Durban, Limpopo, or travelling from Zimbabwe — travel to Pretoria and your housing is covered at zero extra cost for the full 2 weeks.
Industry Resources for Scaffold Erectors
Official links for scaffolding training, qualification, and the South African construction industry
CETA
Construction Education and Training Authority — quality assurance body for scaffolding and construction trade training in South Africa, accrediting training providers and moderating assessments for SAQA 263245.
Visit CETASAQA — US 263245
Official SAQA registration for Unit Standard 263245 — Erect, Use and Dismantle Access Scaffolding, NQF Level 3, 5 credits. Access the full qualification scope, specific outcomes and assessment criteria on the national qualifications register.
View on SAQADepartment of Labour — OHS Act
Occupational Health & Safety Act and Construction Regulations — scaffold regulations, competent person requirements, fall protection plan obligations and permit-to-work requirements for scaffolding in South Africa.
Visit WebsiteRelated Construction & Trade Courses
Build a broader skills portfolio — add additional qualifications to expand your career opportunities on site
Get Your Scaffold Erector Certificate & Licence in 2 Weeks
Intensive practical training. SAQA 263245, CETA accredited. R5,000 all-inclusive. Certificate of Competence + Scaffold Erector Licence. Free accommodation for the full course. Job placement assistance — all in one course.