Steel erector
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
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
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.