Steel fixer

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 qualification like construction skills. This could help you to find a trainee job with a company when you finish your course.

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Steel Fixer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to work as a steel fixer. To do this, you'll usually need work-based qualifications in construction or engineering, or on-site experience.

Employers may also want you to have some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

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
• 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 and co-ordination
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of public safety and security
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• leadership skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• observation and recording skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• active listening skills

What you'll do:

Steel fixers install and tie together steel bars and mesh that are used to strengthen concrete on construction projects.

As a steel fixer, you could:

• create structures and components from plans
• use hand and power tools to cut and bend bars or mesh
• tie reinforcement bars and mesh together with wire, clips or welds to build up sections
• secure steel to concrete bases
• install beams and pre-cast slabs
• work closely with engineering designers, steel erectors and other construction workers

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a steel fixer to be a green job, you could:

• use recycled steel
• work on projects like wind farms, which support the move to cleaner energy
• follow the company sustainability policies

Find out more about green careers

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

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

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

You could also move into related areas like:

• welding
• scaffolding
• training