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Institution Forums > Q&A > Scaffold design engineering qualifications. View modes: 
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Christopher Bunce - 01/08/2012 03:59:39
   
Scaffold design engineering qualifications.
I have been working offshore in the oil & gas industry as a NVQ LvL 3 Advanced Scaffolder for the past 10 years.As I get older scaffolding takes it toll,so I am interested in progressing from designing scaffolding in my head to designing scaffolding on paper and proving it will do what I build it to do.
The only qualification I have is my NVQ LvL 3.I have done some research into what qualifications I would need but have not found much help.I have emailed several companies and have not heard anything back.
Any advice on a path to take or course would be very much appreciated.
Regards

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Angus Cormie - 01/08/2012 08:33:38
   
RE:Scaffold design engineering qualifications.

Christopher,

Many aspects of structural design require practical understanding of the processes involved backed up by design theory.  You obviously have the first but require the second.  I would think the first route may be towards technician membership as a recognised qualification.  I believe a level 3 NVQ gives one the start, but it would be better to check with membership. Follow the links on the left side drop menus under membership.  Obviously your location will define potential employers but more and more scaffolds require “design” and so there are requirements.  The practical and theory has to be transmitted onward to operatives so one also needs to be able to detail, more often electronically through AutoCAD or similar packages.  That is a skill you may need to learn. This is not something that will happen overnight, but the routes are there.  Good luck
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Christopher Bunce - 01/08/2012 20:56:37
   
RE:Scaffold design engineering qualifications.
Thank you for your speedy response.
My NVQ,knowledge of scaffolding and experience gained over the last 16 years in the oil & gas/petrochemical and various other industrial plants have put me in good stead for design.My maths would need brushing up on,but I'm looking at  Open University courses in maths and then moving onto engineering design courses and aiming for a structural engineering qualification.I realise this will take quite some time but it is my goal for the future.
My company manager has asked me to put together some costings and maybe they would sponsor me so I can not only design and build their scaffolds,but I can prove they will do what I have designed them to do,therefore saving them money and time.
Many thanks for your advice.
As always advice is greatly recieved and appreciated.

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