This nationally recognised scaffolding course teaches you the skills to safely erect, alter, and dismantle basic level scaffolding. 

You’ll learn 

• scaffold component identification
• safe working loads
• fall prevention
• hazard control
• how to work as part of a team on site. 

Training is a mix of classroom theory and hands-on practical in our Stapylton training yard.

• New entrants to the construction industry.
• Labourers and trades assistants looking to upskill.
• Event and staging crew members needing a scaffolding licence.
• Maintenance workers in industrial plants or commercial facilities.

• Day classes: Every week, Mon–Fri, typically 6:30 am–5 pm
• Blended^: Optional pre-course e-learning or Face-to-Face with a trainer
• Private groups: Book your crew for private, tailored classes

^Blended learning at OTJT means you can knock over your theory online before you arrive, so your time on site is all about getting hands-on and building the skills you need.

Course Outcomes

• Statement of Attainment: Upon achieving competence in this accredited unit of competency, you will be issued a physical and digital copy of a Statement of Attainment for your official records.  Please note that USI transcripts are only updated once a year, so keep it somewhere safe. Don’t worry, though, if you do lose it, get in touch and we can issue a new one.

• High-risk work licence (HRWL): Upon successful completion of the national assessment instruments (NAI), the assessor will give you a candidate assessment summary (CAS).  This summary will legally allow you to use that licence to perform rigging basic level duties.  The Office of Industrial Relations will then invite you by email to apply for an SB class HRWL, after which you have just 60 days to apply or will need to be reassessed. Students with HRWL’s from other states will need to apply to Safework Qld then have the option to transfer their qualification to their state HRWL.

• Basic Scaffolder – average $75k–$100k pa.
• Industries: residential & commercial construction, maintenance/shutdowns, industrial plants, events/staging, painting/restoration.
• Pathways: Intermediate Scaffolding, Advanced Scaffolding, site supervision.

Why choose a career in construction?

If you like practical work, being part of a crew, and seeing real progress at the end of the day, construction could be a perfect fit.

It’s not just about tools and materials. It’s about building the things people rely on every day. Schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, tunnels and power stations. From tower cranes to hoists, scaffolding to earthmovers, the people behind construction are the ones turning plans into real places.

At OTJT, we know how rewarding it can be because we’ve lived it. Our founder, Matt Nolan, got his start as a delivery driver and found his way into dogging and crane work. What kept him going? It wasn’t just the machines. It was the challenge of doing something different every day, working with a good crew, and helping to shape the skyline of South East Queensland.

“There’s no better feeling than driving past something and being able to say, ‘I helped build that.’” – Matt Nolan

Right now, the construction pipeline is booming across Queensland. From the 2032 Brisbane Olympics to major renewables, hospitals, data centres and transport upgrades. Skilled workers are in high demand across all trades and high-risk roles.

If you’re looking for a career that offers variety, job security and a sense of pride in what you do, construction might just be your next step.

And if you’re already in the industry, it could be time to level up. Whether it’s getting your basic scaffolding or hoist ticket, or brushing up on safety fundamentals, the right training can get you further, faster.

“We’re proud to train people who go on to work on the biggest builds in the state. The industry’s not slowing down any time soon, and the work’s there for those ready to take it on.” – Matt Nolan

1st Day – Welcome!
After a site induction, you’ll learn the fundamentals of mobile crane operating, covering the theory and practical elements of the course. All students have the option to complete the theoretical learning online via e-learning from the moment they are enrolled before course commencement, but is not mandatory.

2nd-3rd Days – Put it into practice!
With the guidance of the training team, your new knowledge and practical skills will be honed and you’ll complete the unit of competency phase in a portfolio of work.

4th Day – Competent? Time for the NAI’s!
Once you’ve achieved competence in the unit, you will prepare and begin the knowledge, calculation and practical tasks as part of the national assessment instruments (NAI’s).  Please note you need to successfully complete the knowledge and calculation assessments before moving on to the practical tasks.

5th Day – Assessments Continue!
Once you’ve successfully completed all the NAI’s, you’ll receive a Candidate Assessment Summary (CAS) from your assessor and can then apply for an SB class high-risk work licence (HRWL) from Workplace Health & Safety Queensland.  Use this CAS as proof of your successful assessment until your HRWL arrives in the post.

Reassessments: 

Should the participant not achieve competence in any of the NAIs, then they will be entitled to no more than one reassessment with no charge. At the RTO’s discretion, any additional reassessments will incur further fees of $250 each, including charges for retraining of $500 if required.

*Please use this course structure as a guide. Many factors can influence course timings, such as the size of the group, weather conditions or a student’s time to achieve competence in the unit.

• ID & USI: Provide 100 points ID and a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• PPE: steel‑cap boots. High‑vis vest, gloves and hard hat can be provided upon request.
• Age: 18+ 
• LLN: basic English literacy (LLN & Digital Literacy Skills Check must be completed by new students).
• HRW Licence application fees: see WorkSafe QLD for current costs. $109.71 as of Aug 2025

As part of the new Standards for RTOs 2025, all new students must complete a quick LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital) Skills Check before we can confirm enrolment. 

It’s not a test, and there’s no pass or fail. It simply helps us understand how best to support the learner before training begins. It only takes around 10 minutes to complete and can be done on any device, including a mobile phone.

I was no good at maths at school!
We hear that.  Our experience is that students often find the numeracy component a challenging part of this course and HRWL courses in general. 

If numeracy is a challenge for you, then we suggest you get started with the trainer video tutorials that walk you through some calculations you’ll need to learn related to load chart and pad sizing calculations.  You’ll be sent a link to our ‘Training Tid Bits’ portal as soon as you’re enrolled so you can get ahead before you start training on site.

Check out our FAQ’s on this page below for some more info about our learning resources designed to set up all students for success, regardless of their capabilities, or find our Student Support Policy here.

For more information about the ACSF visit the DEWR website: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-information-training-providers/australian-core-skills-framework

CSQ

• Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) is an independent, not-for-profit, industry-funded body supporting employers, workers, apprentices, trainees and career seekers in the building and construction industry.
• CSQ funding helps to reduce the financial obstacle to training, making upskilling an affordable option for many more individuals in the construction industry.
• CSQ contributes towards the cost of courses to reduce the cost to participants. CSQ funding is paid directly to the contracted RTO.
• For more information, visit our CSQ Funding Page.

Bert Training Fund

• For those who are CFMEU members and have an account with Bert.
• Members commonly access Bert Training Funding to cover part of the ‘out of pocket’ cost in conjunction with CSQ funding, which covers the rest. The member may also need to make a further contribution.
• When CSQ Funding is not available, then Bert members often access this fund as an alternative to support the cost of their training.
• Members can approach the Bert Training Fund manager to request financial support or request OTJ Training to approach them on their behalf.

• Provide 100 Points of identification (as per Worksafe Queensland requirements)
• Steel cap work boots
• Safety gloves (can be provided)
• Hi-Visibility shirt and hard hat (can be provided)
• Suitable outdoor work clothing (no singlets)
• USI Number (Find My USI)

Should the participant not achieve competence in any of the NAIs, then they will be entitled to no more than one reassessment with no charge. At the RTO’s discretion, any additional reassessments will incur further fees of $250 each, including charges for retraining of $500 if required.

Please use this course structure as a guide. Many factors can influence course timings, such as the size of the group, weather conditions or a student’s time to achieve competence in the unit.