Steel erector

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a construction or engineering course at college. This could help you to find a trainee job with a building company.

Courses include:

• construction skills
• skills for engineering
• construction operations

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on an Engineering Construction Erector Rigger Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This takes around 3 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements:

• GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in English and maths

DirectApplication

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• physical skills like movement and coordination
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to use your initiative
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• leadership skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• observation and recording skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• customer service skills
• active listening skills

What you'll do:

Steel erectors assemble beams and girders that support the structure of buildings, stadiums, bridges and tunnels.

As a steel erector, you'll:

• follow instructions on engineering plans
• guide steel loads that are being lifted into position
• bolt or weld girders and steel sections together
• fix metal decking, safety rails and netting into place
• operate and work from mobile high access platforms
• dismantle steelwork on demolition jobs

Location : You could work on high rise buildings, on other structures or on a construction site.
Environment : Your working environment may be at height, physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers, noisy and cramped.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 48 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

As an experienced steel erector, you could become a site safety supervisor, engineering construction technician or site manager.

You could also move into related areas, like:

• scaffolding
• plant or crane operations
• welding
• training