Scaffolder
What you'd actually do
The work is carrying and fitting tubes, boards and fittings to build safe, sturdy scaffolding to plan, then dismantling it when the job is done. Physical strength, a head for heights and a strict focus on safety matter, since other people's lives depend on your scaffold being sound, and the work is heavy and weather-exposed.
The work is physically tough, outdoors in all weathers, often with early starts and travel to sites, and pay grows well with skill and tickets. Working at height carries real risk, so safety training and good practice are central to the job every day.
You get in through a scaffolding apprenticeship or on-the-job training leading to recognised cards and tickets that grade your level. A CSCS-style card and the right scaffolding qualifications are legally expected on sites, and experience moves you up to advanced and supervisory roles.