Scaffolders work at the top of the buildings they equip with scaffolding. Without them, it would be impossible to complete any high-level projects. Scaffolders design, assemble, secure and dismantle immense ephemeral but indispensable metal structures that provide access to all parts needing to be built or restored.
Scaffolders draw on wide-ranging expertise. Engineers, assemblers and team leaders work side by side from the design phase through to the operational implementation of scaffolding.
For the restoration of historic monuments, the scaffolder's task is particularly challenging since they must adapt to pre-existing buildings without putting any strain on them. Scaffolders must therefore rise to varied and exceptional challenges!
On the Notre-Dame de Paris site
Scaffolders played an essential role in securing the cathedral, putting in place the equipment required for their interventions immediately after the fire.
The previously installed scaffolding around the spire had melted in the heat of the blaze, forming a compact mass of metal. During the securing phase, scaffolders worked together with the access platform operators and rope access technicians to dismantle the damaged scaffolding. An unprecedented protocol was developed to accomplish this complex operation. The scaffolding was first reinforced and stabilized (from January to June 2020) and then its 40,000 pieces were dismantled one by one (from June to November 2020).
During the securing and restoration phase, scaffolders also intervened inside Notre-Dame where they installed all the scaffolding required to enable all trades to access the upper reaches of the cathedral. Acting as a veritable cathedral of steel supporting the stone cathedral, these tons of metal were key to securing the monument. The scaffolders also installed a platform under the stone vaults in order to position the supporting wooden arches. The restoration of the spire also required the assembly of scaffolding exceeding one hundred meters in height, a complex structure that the scaffolders are assembling progressively in phase with the different stages in the reconstruction of the spire.
How to become a scaffolder?
Trainees can begin in 8th grade, with a CAP or BEP certificate in “Building or Industry Studies”, or the “Creation of Sheet Metal Structures and Steel Constructions”.
Thes two-year programs can lead to further study to obtain a vocational baccalaureate, or a BP or BATS diploma in Mechanical Engineering, which provides access to senior positions.
Professionals can also specialize at a later date by following a local complementary training (FCIL) program.
Once they reach the level of assistant assemblers, scaffolders can learn new skills and become qualified assemblers, thereby gaining access to a variety of trades.
