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Scaffolding

Scaffolders provide safe, secure access to everything from homes and workplaces to major construction projects. Whether you’re ready to start your career as an apprentice or you’re an employer keen to train the next generation, EarnLearn makes it easy to get involved in the scaffolding trade.

NZ Certificates • Levels 3–5 • Scaffolding Pathway

Scaffolding Apprenticeship & Courses

Build a safe, in-demand career in scaffolding. Start with the Level 3 (General) foundation, progress to Level 4 (Trade), and advance to Level 5 (Advanced). Specialty suspended scaffolding is available at Level 3 (Proprietary Suspended). Programmes blend block courses with on-the-job learning and verified assessments.

What you’ll learn

  • Plan, erect, modify, inspect, and dismantle scaffolds (tube-&-fitting and proprietary systems).
  • Read drawings, select components, and apply foundations, ties, and bracing to specification.
  • Apply hazard management, site communication, inspections, and handover procedures.
  • Understand loads, capacity, and stability principles for platforms and temporary works.
  • Work effectively in teams across residential, commercial, industrial, and civil projects.

Courses & indicative costs

New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 3) — General

~ 18–22 months $49.50 / week (≈ $2,574) SARNZ Elementary CoC requirement

Ideal if your workplace doesn’t have the full range of jobs for the full apprenticeship. Delivered through block courses, on-the-job learning and verification.

  • Prerequisites: None (must be employed in scaffolding with a verifying supervisor).
  • Outcome: Foundational competence for access scaffolds; pathway to Level 4.

New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 3) — Proprietary Suspended

~ 11 months $2,550 total SARNZ Suspended CoC requirement

For scaffolders specialising in suspended systems. Delivered via block courses and on-the-job learning.

  • Prerequisites: None (must be employed; supervisor verification required).
  • Note: Included within the Level 5 (Advanced) programme.

New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 4) — Trade

Block courses + on-job $41.50 / week (≈ $2,158) SARNZ Intermediate CoC requirement

The next step after Level 3 (General) or Elementary CoC. Can be completed as part of the scaffolding apprenticeship.

  • Prerequisites: Level 3 (General) or equivalent; employed with supervisor verification.
  • Outcome: Trade-level competency across a broad range of scaffolding tasks.

New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 5) — Advanced

~ 18 months $5,150 total SARNZ Advanced CoC requirement

For qualified, experienced scaffolders stepping up from Intermediate. Achieved through block courses and on-the-job learning. Includes the Level 3 Proprietary Suspended certificate.

  • Prerequisites: Level 4 (Trade) or National Cert (Level 4 Intermediate); employed with supervisor verification.
  • Outcome: Advanced planning and execution for complex scaffolds and leadership opportunities.

All fees are indicative and subject to change. Duration depends on workplace exposure, assessment progress, and block course attendance.

Entry requirements

  • Employment: You’ll need to be working in the scaffolding industry with a supervisor who can verify your on-job work.
  • Work readiness: Physically fit for an outdoors, hands-on trade; able to follow safety procedures and site instructions.
  • Prerequisites by level:
    • Level 3 (General) — no formal prereqs.
    • Level 3 (Proprietary Suspended) — no formal prereqs.
    • Level 4 (Trade) — Level 3 (General) or equivalent / Elementary CoC.
    • Level 5 (Advanced) — Level 4 (Trade) or National Cert Level 4 (Intermediate).

How the apprenticeship works

  • Earn while you learn: Full-time employment with structured training and support.
  • On-job + off-job: Competency tasks verified by your supervisor plus block courses.
  • Mentoring: Guidance from experienced assessors to keep you progressing safely.
  • Progression: Level 3 → Level 4 → Level 5 (Advanced) and/or specialist suspended scaffolding.

Contact & apply

Apprentice info Employer info

Become a Scaffolding Apprentice

Start a hands-on, team-focused career while earning as you learn. Gain nationally recognised scaffolding qualifications and build skills that keep projects moving safely.

  • Earn while you learn on active worksites
  • Complete the NZ Certificates in Scaffolding (Levels 3–4)
  • Pathway towards SARNZ Certificates of Competency (Elementary / Intermediate)
Learn about apprenticeships

I’m an Employer

Thinking of hiring or training a scaffolding apprentice? EarnLearn helps you recruit, support, and grow a skilled team that meets safety and compliance standards.

  • Recruitment and onboarding support
  • Access to funding and services
  • Build long-term capability in your business
Employer information

How a Scaffolding Apprenticeship Works

The New Zealand Certificates in Scaffolding (Levels 3–4) combine real-world site experience with structured learning. Here’s how you’ll progress from day one to becoming a confident, work-ready scaffolder.

1

Sign Up

Begin your apprenticeship with an employer and enrol through EarnLearn for the NZ Certificates in Scaffolding (Levels 3–4).

2

Earn While You Learn

Work full-time on active sites while completing structured training and assessments with mentor support.

3

Build Competence

Plan, erect, inspect, and dismantle scaffolds to specification, applying hazard management and compliance best practice.

4

Get Qualified

Finish with nationally recognised scaffolding qualifications and the skills to progress into leading hand or supervisory roles.

Learn more about Scaffolding Qualifications →

Scaffolding — FAQs

Quick answers for learners and employers about Scaffolding apprenticeships and the New Zealand Certificates in Scaffolding (Levels 3–4).

Timeframes vary by workplace, site mix, and prior experience. As a guide, completing Levels 3–4 typically takes around 2–4 years with steady on-job progress and assessments.
You’ll plan, erect, modify, inspect, and dismantle scaffolds under supervision. You’ll read drawings, set foundations, install ties and bracing, manage hazards, and hand over safe access for other trades. See the pathway: Apprentice information.
Yes — scaffolding apprenticeships are earn-while-you-learn. You’re employed and paid for on-the-job training. Employers may be eligible for support such as Apprenticeship Boost.
Help with recruitment and onboarding, training plans, on-job assessments, and funding advice — plus ongoing pastoral support to keep apprentices progressing safely. Details for businesses: Employer information.
You’ll complete nationally recognised New Zealand Certificates in Scaffolding (Levels 3–4), demonstrating competence in safe access systems for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
You’ll need to be work-ready for a physical, outdoors trade, able to follow safety procedures, and employed (or becoming employed) with a scaffolding company. A driver licence and fitness for manual handling are advantageous.
Progress into leading hand, supervisor, estimator, or project coordination. With experience you can move into advanced scaffolding, rigging, temporary works coordination, or start your own business.
Find Out More

Supporting apprentices
& employers to succeed

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

Wellbeing support
Learning support

Interested in learning more about scaffolding apprenticeships?

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.

Contact Us


0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm

If you’re overseas, please phone 
+64 09 9051748

supportel@earnlearn.ac.nz

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