Steel erector versus structural steel fabricator: What’s the difference?

Are you making a big decision about the future of your career in the construction industry?

If you have a passion for metalworking and engineering, you might find yourself struggling to choose between two closely related roles: steel erection and steel fabrication.

Fortunately, the experts at SB Skills Solutions can help you make a more informed decision. In this quick guide, we break down the key differences and similarities between steel erectors and structural steel fabricators.

What’s the difference between a steel erector and structural steel fabricator?

Specialising in the assembly of buildings and other structures, steel erectors play a key role in the construction and infrastructure industry.

Primarily, they fit together steel components like beams and columns to create a stable metal framework.

Structural steel fabricators, on the other hand, create the components that steel erectors use.

Through a combination of metalworking techniques and specialised equipment, they manipulate raw steel into essential steel components such as beams, plates, and columns.

Steel Erector vs Steel Fabricator

Choosing between these two paths in the construction industry isn’t always straightforward. While steel erectors and steel fabricators have clearly defined roles, there’s enough overlap in their skills and responsibilities to make the decision a bit tricky.

To help you determine which one might be a better fit for your specific skills and preferences, we have put together a side-by-side comparison table below:

	Steel Erector	Structural Steel Fabricator
Role overview	Building role – Assembling structural steel components on site for buildings or infrastructure projects.	Manufacturing role – Fabricating structural steel components for construction and infrastructure purposes.
Key responsibilities	Lifting and positioning steel components into place Securely bolting or welding components together Safely following technical plans Installing metal decking	Cutting, welding, and bending raw steel into components Reading and interpreting steel component specifications Ensuring quality control and safety compliance Inspecting finished components
Skills	Physical fitness Health and safety awareness Technical skills (interpreting blueprints) Metal assembly skills (bolting, welding, etc.) Working at height Operating heavy lifting machinery	Physical fitness Health and safety awareness Technical skills (interpreting engineering drawings) Metalworking techniques (cutting, bending, welding) Using specialised equipment Operating heavy fabrication machinery
Working environment	Typically outdoors on construction sites, often at height.	Typically indoors in steelwork factories or designated site areas.
Qualifications	While direct employment and on-the-job training are possible, helpful qualifications include: Apprenticeship Level 2 or Level 3 Steel Erecting Diploma CSCS card (optional, but proves competence)	While direct employment and on-the-job training are possible, helpful qualifications include: Apprenticeship Level 3 Fabrication and Welding Engineering Diploma CSCS card (optional, but proves competence)

How can a Steel Erecting diploma help?

If pursuing a career as a steel erector instead of a structural steel fabricator feels like the right professional move for you, it’s important to ensure you have the relevant qualifications to increase your employability, broaden your job prospects, and boost your earning potential.

At SB Skills Solutions, our team of fully qualified instructors and assessors is here to help experienced steel erectors gain formal recognition for their skills. Through accredited training bodies such as the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), you can achieve a nationally recognised diploma that validates your expertise and enhances your career prospects.

• The Level 2 Steel Erecting qualification is ideal for both new and existing steel erectors seeking formal recognition of their core skills.
• The Level 3 Steel Erecting Diploma is designed for those with more advanced experience, offering validation of higher-level expertise.

Whether you’re looking to upskill, meet industry standards, or take the next step in your professional journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

To start the conversation about progressing your career as a steel erector or structural steel fabricator in the construction industry, call our friendly team today on 01695 558 420.

If now isn’t a good time, you can also register your interest in our training and assessment services by emailing your enquiry to info@sbskills.co.uk or filling the contact form below.