Scaffolding is a very popular job in the Netherlands and Belgium. It requires great accuracy and responsibility, because it determines the level of safety and comfort of operation on the construction site – when working at heights. It tempts with high earnings, and the high demand for scaffolders makes this profession sought after among Poles living abroad. Check what you need to do to start working legally on scaffolding in the country of tulips.
What will you learn from this article?
How to find a job as a scaffolder in the Netherlands and Belgium?
What do you need to start working in this industry?
Scaffolder and DNV classification.
Why is it worth taking a Scaffolder course at Bonapi Training Center?
How to find a job as a scaffolder in the Netherlands and Belgium?
There are several proven ways to find a job as a scaffolder in the Netherlands and Belgium. Use our tips below and look for employment by:
➡ employment agencies that allow you to find a job without knowing Dutch;
➡ the EURES employers’ website in more than 20 languages;
➡ advertising portals;
➡ The Employment Insurance Institute (UWV), i.e. the Dutch employment office, where you can find many interesting offers on the werk.nl website;
➡ Belgian employment offices, i.e. the so-called Public Employment Services, where each of the autonomous parts of Belgium has a separate employment office:
– Brussels – Actiris;
– Flanders – VDAB;
– Wallonia – Le Forem;
– German community – ADG;
➡ social networks such as LinkidIn and Facebook, in particular thematic groups related to work in the Netherlands and Belgium;
➡ inquiry among family, friends and acquaintances;
➡ websites and social media profiles of employers with whom you want to find a job.
Remember!
Before you start cooperation with an employment agency, always check on the relevant websites whether it operates legally. Dutch employment agencies should be entered in ABU or NBBU, and Belgian – in Federgon.
What do you need to start working as a scaffolder?
A future employee of Dutch and Belgian companies must meet several conditions to be able to work as a scaffolder in the construction industry and at heights.
Every person who wants to have a legal job in the Netherlands and stay there for more than 4 months must have a BSN number, i.e. an individual social and tax identification number. Without it, the Dutch employer cannot pay wages to a person who is not taxed in the Netherlands.
The Dutch and Belgians attach great importance to security. Before starting work, each scaffolder must have a safety certificate, i.e. the so-called VCA certificate. It confirms that the employee knows the basic safety, health and working environment rules. He can also recognize dangerous situations at work and prevent them.
A new person entering the Dutch scaffolding job market must register on the SVWOH website. Then you have to pay the fee and answer 10 questions correctly (you can take the test an unlimited number of times). A positive result means obtaining the title of assistant hulpmonteur, which is valid for one year. During this time, it is worth improving qualifications, which translates into higher salary in the future.
Scaffolder and DNV classification
Scaffolders in the Netherlands and Belgium can work in various positions, depending on their qualifications. There are several levels of professional competence according to the DNV classification.
➡ The fitter’s assistant (Hulpmonteur Steigerbouw) is a person who prepares the site for the scaffolding and the materials needed for its construction. He works on the ground, not at height. He does not build scaffoldings himself, but helps the basic scaffolder and the advanced scaffolder in his work, gaining knowledge and experience.
➡ Basic Scaffolder (Monteur Steigerbouw / Steigerbouwer A) is responsible for the entire scaffolding process – both for site preparation, as well as assembly/disassembly and securing the structure. Must work under the supervision of the first scaffolder.
➡ Advanced Scaffolder (1e Monteur Steigerbouw / Steigerbouwer B) is a specialist who is authorized to independently build simple and complex scaffoldings – up to and including the 4th class. It also takes care of the safety of employees and provides them with support on the construction site.
➡ The inspector (Steigerinspecteur) checks whether the scaffolding has been erected correctly, in accordance with the applicable rules. Conducts inspections and inspections of the scaffolding.
➡ The foreman (Voorman Steigerbouw) manages the work of the scaffolders. He is responsible both for the course of works, the time of their implementation and the correctness of execution, as well as for the health and safety of employees.
Anyone who wants to work in one of the above positions must have the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience documented by appropriate qualifications. Their confirmation is usually the DNV certificate. To get it, you must complete a course in a specialized training center and pass an exam.
On our website you will find out about the details of obtaining individual professional degrees and DNV certificates. Importantly, from June 1, 2023, there have also been changes to DNV exams.
Why is it worth taking a Scaffolder course at Bonapi Training Center?
➡ We have experience and at the same time modern methods and great trainers, which guarantees high exam pass rates.
➡ We conduct classes in Dutch and several other languages – both theoretical and practical. In a nice and friendly atmosphere focused on cooperation.
➡ Our graduates are valued specialists in their field, who are needed on the labor market.
➡ We have trained hundreds of people who, thanks to us, started employment in the scaffolding industry, and then climbed the career ladder, increasing their earnings and job satisfaction.
Contact us today and join the group of qualified scaffolders who decided to take up the challenge and raised not only their qualifications, but also the standard of living and satisfaction with it. Feel confident and safe in your work and be a professional that employers are waiting for!
