Scaffolding Employer

Grow your business with the next generation of scaffolders

Looking to take on a scaffolding apprentice?

Grow your own talent

Train scaffolders your way from day one.

Meet site demand

Keep jobs moving with a steady pipeline.

Boost safety & compliance

Structured training builds safer, faster crews.

Your role as an
employer

Three simple ways to set scaffolding apprentices up to succeed on site and progress faster.

Interested in employing a scaffolding apprentice?

Fill out the form and our team will be in touch to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take the next step in growing your workforce.

How the scaffolding apprenticeship works

Connect & check fit

Already have someone ready, or need help? We’ll confirm eligibility and the right Level 3→4 pathway for your business.

Training agreement & onboarding

We set up the EarnLearn training agreement and support inductions—PPE, Site Safe/ConstructSafe, harness competency and any site tickets needed.

On-the-job learning

Apprentices work under your supervision on base-outs, bracing, standards, ledgers/transoms, decks, ties/anchors, towers and edge protection.

Off-job block courses

They attend scheduled block courses and complete theory (loads, ties, components, planning and compliance). We’ll share dates early so you can plan workloads.

Ongoing support

Your EarnLearn Account Manager checks in regularly, keeps training on track, and helps apprentices progress from Level 3 to Level 4.

Scaffolding Employer FAQs

We’re here to help. If you’re thinking about hiring or training a scaffolding apprentice, our team can guide you through setup, funding, and keeping progress on track.

Contact us with your work mix (e.g., tube-and-fitting, proprietary systems, towers, suspended). We’ll confirm eligibility, set up the EarnLearn training agreement, and onboard you and your apprentice to the correct NZ Certificate in Scaffolding pathway (Levels 3–4).
You’ll have an EarnLearn Account Manager for check-ins, planning, and progress tracking—plus guidance on on-job assessments, block-course scheduling, compliance, and available funding.
Provide quality on-the-job training across scaffold planning, erection, modification, inspection, and dismantle. Allow time for assessments and off-job training, ensure appropriate supervision, supply required PPE/equipment, and maintain a safe workplace that meets NZ standards.
Yes. Apprentices work under supervision while they complete the NZ Certificates in Scaffolding. These programmes align to SARNZ Certificates of Competency pathways (Elementary → Intermediate → Advanced) and emphasise safe practice and compliance.
Typically around 2–4 years for Levels 3–4, depending on prior experience, the variety of work in your business, and progress through assessments and block courses.
Yes. Off-job block courses and theory are essential alongside on-job learning. We’ll share dates early and help you plan workloads so projects keep moving.
Funding changes from time to time. We’ll advise current government support (e.g., employer subsidies) and programme funding during sign-up, and help with any paperwork.
Talk to your Account Manager early. We can set a support plan, arrange catch-ups or mentoring, and provide extra guidance to keep progress safe and on track.

Supporting apprentices
& employers to succeed

EarnLearn provides free, specialised learning and wellbeing support services to all apprentices and employers during their training. 

Our team is nationwide

Our nationwide team of dedicated EarnLearn Account Managers (AM) are your ‘go-to’ for all things related to your apprentice’s training. They help coordinate off-job and on-job learning, and can provide support from enrolment through to completion.

We check in on our apprentices every 8 weeks throughout their training to ensure they are supported in all ways. 

If you have any questions, give them a call.