Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a scaffolder, stager or rigger?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a scaffolder, stager or rigger (SOC 8151).
You might be able to work in the UK on a different visa. Compare UK work visas.
Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.
The rules in detail
SOC 2020 code 8151 (Scaffolders, stagers and riggers) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT6 · 29 Oct 26.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Scaffolders, stagers and riggers |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 81 Process, plant, machine and construction operatives › 815 Construction operatives |
Job titles under SOC 8151
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Engineering construction riggers
- Scaffolders and stagers
- Scaffolders, stagers and riggers not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (4)
- Bell hanger (church bells)
- Rigger (film, television production)
- Stage rigger (shipbuilding)
- Tackleman (steelworks)
What the job involves
Scaffolders, stagers and riggers erect and dismantle scaffolding and working platforms, set up lifting equipment and ships’ rigging, maintain and repair steeples, industrial chimneys and other tall structures and install, maintain and repair ropes, wires and cables.
Typical tasks
- Examines drawings and specifications to determine job requirements
- Examines scaffold tubing and couplings for defects and selects, fits and bolts scaffold tubes until scaffolding reaches required height
- Lays and secures wooden planking to form working platforms and fixes guard rails, ladders, cradles and awnings as required
- Erects jib, derrick and similar hoisting equipment and installs ropes, pulleys and other lifting tackle
- Forms rope slings, ladders, netting and other rigging and measures, cuts and repairs wire or fibre rope
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is initially received on-the-job. Skilled workers must obtain Construction Skills recognised scaffolders record scheme cards through the completion of approved courses and further work experience. NVQs/SVQs in Scaffolding are available at levels 2 and 3.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8151
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a scaffolder, stager or rigger?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a scaffolder, stager or rigger (SOC 8151). SOC 2020 code 8151 (Scaffolders, stagers and riggers) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
What is SOC code 8151?
8151 is the SOC 2020 code for Scaffolders, stagers and riggers. Scaffolders, stagers and riggers erect and dismantle scaffolding and working platforms, set up lifting equipment and ships’ rigging, maintain and repair steeples, industrial chimneys and other tall structures and install, maintain and repair ropes, wires and cables.
What job titles use SOC code 8151?
GOV.UK lists: Engineering construction riggers, Scaffolders and stagers, Scaffolders, stagers and riggers not elsewhere classified.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes (GOV.UK, updated 29 April 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.