In the Netherlands, known for modern construction technologies, innovations and strict safety standards, the role of a scaffolder is extremely important and valued. It is difficult to imagine the implementation of many projects without his participation, so in practice this translates into attractive remuneration and very good employment conditions. So if you want to join the world of Dutch scaffolders, find out who the SVWOH scaffolding assistant aspirant is. Especially since there is a lot of incorrect information about him. Learn with us the most important issues that will help you start your professional adventure in the scaffolding industry.
What will you learn from this article?
- Work of a scaffolder in the Netherlands and safety standards
- Scaffolding aspirant, or how to start working as a scaffolder?
- Scaffolding aspirant – registration
- Registration of an aspirant scaffolder’s and what next?
- Scaffolding fitter career and training and exams at Bonapi Training Center
Work of a scaffolder in the Netherlands and safety standards
The Netherlands is famous for its high living and working standards, and therefore also for its strict regulations regarding the protection of employees and the environment. Safety and high quality of activities are priorities in this country. The work of a scaffolder involves working at heights. It carries various dangers, so every move and step requires special caution and precision. Moreover, the safety of others – workers on the construction site or other people using the prepared scaffolding – depends on the effects of his work.
Therefore, various initiatives and organizations have been established in the Netherlands thanks to which Dutch workers, including scaffolders, can perform their duties in safe conditions.
An organization focusing on the development of professional skills of people who work at heights. It manages the certification system as well as documentation regarding the necessary competencies that allow you to pass exams and obtain the required qualifications.
One of the world’s largest certification and risk management organizations that supports companies in meeting the highest safety and quality standards.
A collection of current scaffolding guidelines collected in the Richtlijn Steigers manual and on the website. Contains, among others: classification of scaffolding fitters and detailed training requirements for each professional level, rules for conducting examinations and issuing certificates.More detailed information can be found in our
article https://bonapi.nl/scaffolding-directive-in-practice-requirements-for-scaffolders-in-the-netherlands/
Scaffolding assistant aspirant – how to start working as a scaffolder?
The favorable geographical location of the Netherlands and numerous investments in infrastructure and construction projects in both the private and public sectors generate a constant demand for qualified scaffolders. That’s why this profession is very popular, but there is still a shortage of specialists in the industry.
In the Netherlands, there is DNV certification for scaffolders, which includes several professional degrees. Having a DNV certificate is therefore necessary if you want to work in the Netherlands as a scaffolding fitter, manager or inspector. This document confirms your knowledge and competences entitling you to work in a given position.
You can obtain the DNV certificate after completing training for the selected scaffolding installer level and passing an exam at a certified training center such as Bonapi Training Center.
The lowest in the structure is the aspirant assistant scaffolder SVWOH. In 2019, changes were introduced related to the obligation to register each scaffolder. So if you are just starting your adventure as an installer, you are required to register. Do you have many years of experience in the industry, but you do not have any DNV certificate? You also need to register before taking the course and exam! The obligation to register was introduced to register all people involved in the construction of scaffolding (including beginners) who do not have a DNV certificate or are just trying to obtain it.
After registration, an aspirant scaffolder’s assistant can only help scaffolders. Mainly prepares materials, carries them and performs other similar tasks. He cannot build or climb scaffolding on his own. He works on the so-called level 0, i.e. on the ground. He cannot work at heights or climb any level of scaffolding. His task is also to observe the fitter’s work, learn and gain experience.
Scaffolding assistant aspirant – registration
Registration as an aspirant scaffolder’s assistant is very simple. It costs €108.90 (including VAT). After paying, you will be immediately redirected to the exam. The exam consists of 10 questions that you must answer correctly. Don’t worry, the number of attempts is unlimited.
Below you will find step-by-step registration instructions.
- Visit the SVWOH website. There you will find the “Registreer als Aspirant-Hulpmonteur” button. After clicking on it, you will be taken to the registration page.
- In the upper right corner you can change the language to Polish.
- Enter your date of birth and the first three letters of your surname, then click the “Enter new candidate” button.
- Complete the necessary fields, including your name and email address.
- You must also provide your VCA certificate number as it is required for registration. If you don’t have it, sign up for a one-day VCA Basic course in Bonapi with an exam.
Need more information about the VCA system?
See our article VCA and SCC certificate – courses, exams in Poland and the Netherlands. - After completing the data, select the exam language, e.g. Polish.
- Select that you agree to the Privacy Policy.
- Click the “Next” button. A page will appear with the choice of payment system for registration. Choose iDeal or PayPal.
- After making the payment, you start the exam immediately. Good luck!
Registration of an aspirant scaffolder’s assistant and what next?
Passed the exam? In that case, your certificate is probably already waiting in the e-mail address you provided. Congratulations, you are an aspirant! A career as a scaffolder is open to you.
Now you or your employer will find you in the SVWOH register. Just enter your date of birth and the first 3 letters of your surname. You will then see your full name. After clicking on it, the information “u heeft al een geldige registratie met nummer” will appear, i.e. “you already have a valid registration number”. Your number starts with AHM. By clicking on this number you will be taken to the register.
You can share your certificate via email or WhatsApp (icons at the top). After pressing the right arrow, you will see your certificate.
The certificate is valid for 1 year. After this time, you must renew it if you no longer have a DNV certificate. In practice, the position of an aspirant is treated as a transitional stage in order to be able to complete appropriate courses and obtain DNV qualifications, which translate into better job offers and higher remuneration.
It’s also worth remembering that if you had a DNV scaffolder certificate but your certificate has expired, you will need to re-register as an assistant scaffolder aspirant and complete the steps above.
The professional path of a scaffolding fitter and training and examinations at the Bonapi Training Center
Starting a career as a scaffolder in the Netherlands is more than just choosing a profession that requires technical skills and the courage to work at heights. It is about embarking on a path full of challenges, development opportunities and a chance to work on interesting projects – with a daily dose of adrenaline.
The career prospects for an aspirant scaffolder’s assistant are very promising. After gaining appropriate experience, completing SVWOH training and obtaining DNV certificates, you can be promoted to the position of scaffolding fitter, and then to the position of manager or inspector.
At Bonapi Training Center you will find courses ending with an exam, thanks to which you will gain further stages in the professional path of a scaffolder – in accordance with the requirements applicable in the Netherlands. We have prepared training for you on:
- scaffolder’s assistant (Hulpmonteur Steigerbouw);
- scaffolder (Monteur Steigerbouw);
- first fitter (1e Monteur Steigerbouw);
- inspector (Steigerinspecteur);
- scaffolding manager/foreman (Voorman Steigerbouw).
Contact us and sign up for one of our courses. Join the group of professionals who climb the ladder of professional success every day. Secure yourself a better future and have a profession in your hands that will give you great earnings, stable employment conditions and a strong position on the labor market in the Netherlands.
