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Steel erector

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 48 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Steel erector

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

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

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

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

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

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

More Information

Direct Application

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

More Information

Registration

Career tips

You'll have an advantage if you've got a powered access licence to work with mobile elevated work 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 (ECITB).

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • 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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work on high rise buildings, on other structures or on a construction site.

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

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

V03160 - Advanced Apprentice Engineering Rigging

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Broad Oak, The Airport, Portsmouth, Hants
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Construction Multi Skills

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Ipswich

Diploma in Construction Skills

  • Provider: UNITED COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

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