A steel erector assembles the metal framework of new buildings, and structures like bridges and tunnels.

Salary Range: £14,000 to £35,000

How to become a steel erector

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

College

You could take a construction or engineering qualification at college. This could help you to find a trainee job with a company when you finish.

Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
• Level 2 Award in Skills for Engineering

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a structural steelwork erector intermediate apprenticeship.

You could also do an engineering construction erector-rigger advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs if you have relevant experience and qualifications in construction or engineering.

More information

Registration

• you’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

Career tips

You’ll have an advantage if you’ve got a powered access licence to work with mobile elevated platforms.

Further information

You can get more details about working and training as a steel erector from Go Construct and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• be able to cope with working at height

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• guiding steel loads into position, following engineering instructions
• making sure steel sections are level
• bolting or welding steelwork together
• fixing hand rails and other safety features
• working from mobile high access platforms as the structure goes up
• dismantling steelwork on demolition jobs

Working environment

You could work on a construction site.

Your working environment may be cramped, dirty, at height, physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and noisy.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a site supervisor or engineering technician, or move into related areas like welding, site health and safety or training.

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