Structural Steelwork Erector
Careers Explorer:
Create the strong skeleton of a building or temporary structure by installing and fixing together steel girders, pipework and beams.
Overview
There is a high demand for Skilled Structural Steelwork erectors in the constructional steelwork industry and the civil construction industry.
As a Structural Steelwork Erector, you’ll assemble fabricated structural steel components to the highest standards in order to ensure that the finished structure is secure and level.
You could be involved in the development of iconic structures such as national and local sports stadia, high rise towers or bridges and other structures such as schools, colleges, hospitals and warehousing.
It’s definitely a role not for the faint-hearted and you’ll need a head for heights.
Top 5 Tasks
- Planning the layout of the structure using the drawings of construction engineering professionals prior to assembly
- Working at increasingly high levels
- Aligning the steel components with tower cranes
- Working out how to fit the steelwork together following engineers’ instructions
- Laying metal decking.
Salary
Newly trained Steel Erectors can earn in the region of £19,000 – £25,000.
Trained with experience Steel Erectors can earn in the region of £25,000 – £35,000, with those at a more senior or master craft level earning up to £45,000.
Salaries will depend on your employer, location and level of responsibility.
Am I Suited?
- Team player
- Hands-on
- Head for heights
- Physical
- Logical thinker
The UK’s highest café, called Haford Eryi, is on top of Mount Snowden.
Qualifications
There are no formal requirements to enter training as a steel erector but it helps when looking for work to have GCSEs grades 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent in subjects such as maths, English, science and technology. Employers often look for people with some on-site experience, so if you haven’t worked in construction before you could work as an assistant to start with. Then your employer might train you in steel erection.
Getting on to an apprenticeship scheme usually involves taking a selection test. As an apprentice, you study towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 and 3.
Most construction and engineering firms now insist that site workers have a CSCS card or are part of a related scheme. The card is proof of your skills and competence. Getting a card means passing a health and safety assessment and having a relevant NVQ (or equivalent qualification).
