1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Steel erector

Steel erector

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

47 to 49 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 course at college. This could help you to find a trainee job with a building company.

Courses include:

  • Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
  • Level 2 Award in Skills for Engineering
  • Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations

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 by doing a:

  • structural steelwork erector intermediate apprenticeship
  • engineering construction erector-rigger advanced apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced 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

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

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 and coordination
  • 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

In this job, you'll:

  • follow instructions on engineering plans
  • guide steel loads that are being lifted into position
  • make sure steel sections and beams are level
  • bolt or weld steelwork together
  • fix metal decking into place
  • attach and check handrails and other safety features
  • 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 or engineering technician, or move into related areas like welding, scaffolding or training.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Slinger Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,319.00 Annually
  • Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Foundation Multi-skills (Construction)

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: NORTHAMPTON

Diploma in Construction Skills

  • Provider: FURNESS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2023
  • Location: BARROW-IN-FURNESS
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.