Considering a career as a Steel Erector in the UK?
Before you make any big, life-changing decisions, it’s important to research the role thoroughly – what does it involve? What’s the average salary? What steel erecting qualifications are required?
All these questions need to be answered before you can make an informed decision about moving into this area of the construction industry.
That’s why the team at SB Skills Solutions has put together this comprehensive guide on the roles and responsibilities of a Steel Erector.
Alternatively, if you’re already working as a Steel Erector and are looking for ways to further your career in the engineering, construction, or manufacturing industry, the SB Skills team can help.
Reach out today to learn more about the training courses and qualifications that can boost your career prospects.
What is a Steel Erector?
Steel Erectors (also referred to as Steelwork Erectors or Ironworkers), are the individuals who assemble and disassemble the metal frameworks for buildings or structures, such as industrial facilities and bridges.
Essentially, they fit together steel girders, pipework, and beams to form the structural framework of a project. However, their role extends far beyond simple assembly.
What does a Steel Erector do?
Having a clear understanding of what a Steel Erector does day in, day out can help you to determine whether pursuing this career is likely to be a good choice for you.
Some of the main responsibilities of a Steel Erector include:
Assembling steel frameworks
As touched on above, the primary role of a Steel Erector is to carefully place and secure the steel load-bearing elements of a structure, such as girders, beams, and pipework. Securing these essential components in place typically involves welding or bolting, while moving them often requires cranes due to the significant weight of the steel elements.
Implementing technical plans
To effectively erect a structure, it’s crucial the Steel Erector knows how to follow technical plans and can collaborate with architects and engineers. This is because Steel Erectors rely on the directions from these professionals and their technical plans to implement the construction project plans as required.
Guiding steel loads into position
The Steel Erector duty of guiding steel loads into position while they’re being lifted combines their responsibility to erect a structure with their ability to carry out technical plans.
Whenever an element is being lifted, safety is of the utmost importance – especially when that component is big and heavy (such as steel beams).
Steel Erectors must therefore possess the necessary competence to effectively and safely plan and organise lifting operations.
Operate and work from mobile elevating work platforms
When carrying out their primary steelwork assembling responsibilities, it’s common for Steel Erectors to work on high rise buildings.
In order for Steel Erectors to safely access these heights, however, they must also be able to operate and work from mobile high access platforms (also known as aerial work platforms, aerial lifts, or cherry pickers).
Constructing metal decking
Metal decking is a type of corrugated sheeting commonly used to create a composite floor system or structural roof deck (with fewer supports than other methods) on many different construction projects.
In floors, a Steel Erector will install metal decking (steel sheets and rods) to form a lightweight platform with concrete slabs.
In roofs, a Steel Erector can construct a metal decking of steel purlins or beams to create a supporting layer for additional roofing materials.
Installing safety features
Many safety features are often required to make a structure suitable for people to use.
This includes everything from handrails and balustrades to guardrails and netting.
Steel Erectors are often responsible for constructing and installing these safety features throughout the building using tools, machinery, and vehicles.
Demolition and disassembling steelwork
Experts in assembling steel structures, Steel Erectors must also know how to dismantle these buildings, too.
Part of their demolition responsibilities, these structures must be carefully dismantled according to specific plans to help mitigate risks and allow for the recovery of materials, where desired.
Key skills and qualities of a Steel Erector
Wondering whether your professional qualities and current skillset match the traits needed to be a good Steel Erector?
Some of the most sought-after qualities and skills that a Steel Erector should possess include:
- Technical Skills: Ability to install and dismantle steelwork safely and efficiently.
- Construction Knowledge: Strong understanding of construction techniques and materials.
- Tool Proficiency: Skilled in using hand and power tools.
- Blueprint Reading: Ability to interpret technical drawings and schematics.
- Safety Awareness: Knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations.
- Teamwork and Communication: Effective collaboration with engineers, crane operators, and other construction professionals.
- Physical Fitness: High level of stamina and strength for manual labour.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to handle on-site challenges effectively.
How to become a qualified Steel Erector in the UK
If you’re considering becoming a qualified Steel Erector in the UK, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there are multiple pathways into this profession.
Simply carry on reading to discover some of the different pathways into steel erecting from the helpful team at SB Skills Solutions.
GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
Prior to taking a Steel Erector apprenticeship or college course, you’ll typically need to obtain some GCSEs – the exact number of which will vary depending on the type of option you want to pursue.
For example, if you plan on taking an advanced apprenticeship, at least three to five GCSEs are often necessary.
However, if you’re hoping to apply for an intermediate apprenticeship or level 1 or level 2 college course, between one to three GCSEs is often accepted.
You may want to consider taking subjects relevant to the professional responsibilities of a Steel Erector, such as english, maths, science, and design and technology.
Apprenticeship
If you’re eager to start earning a wage while you simultaneously train to become a Steel Erector, an apprenticeship may be the most suitable route for you. Apprenticeships provide valuable industry experience and lead to recognised qualifications.
Taking this route to steel erecting means you’ll spend the majority of your time gaining on-the-job experience and only 20 per cent learning away from the workplace.
Both intermediate and advanced apprenticeship options exist for those interested in becoming a steelwork erector.
A lower-level apprenticeship usually takes between 12 and 18 months to complete, whereas an advanced alternative typically takes longer to finish – often between 18 and 24 months.
The Structural Steelwork Erector Level 2 Apprenticeship or Engineering Construction Erector/Rigger Level 3 Apprenticeship combines hands-on training with classroom instruction.
A combination of on-the-job training and off-site study, this apprenticeship takes around three years to complete and requires the learner to have GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, in english and maths.
College courses
Several engineering and construction-related college courses can help aspiring Steel Erectors. Some relevant options include:
• Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
• Level 2 NVQ in Steel Fixing Occupations (Construction)
• Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations
These courses provide theoretical knowledge but often require further on-the-job training.
Entry-Level Employment & On-the-Job Training
Many employers hire trainees without formal qualifications and provide on-the-job training. Gaining experience in construction or related fields (such as welding or scaffolding) can also be beneficial.
To make yourself more employable to these businesses, it’s important to develop some of the primary skills and qualities a Steel Erector needs, such as a strong knowledge of the construction industry and the ability to use hand and power tools.
You should also consider applying for the relevant Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent which will allow you to train and work on the majority of UK construction sites.
A prerequisite for obtaining a CSCS card, you will also need to pass the relevant Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) health and safety test to demonstrate your understanding of workplace safety standards.
Career opportunities for Steel Erectors
Once you gain experience as a Steel Erector, there are several ways to progress in your career:
• Site Supervisor or Manager
• Safety Supervisor
• Engineering Technician
• Welding or Scaffolding
• Crane or Plant Operations
Alternatively, with some additional training, you could branch out into a related area of the construction industry, such as welding or scaffolding. A Steel Erector can also increase their career opportunities by obtaining licences to operate plant equipment on site.
Committed to being a Steel Erector?
These skilled tradespeople can achieve industry-wide recognition for their skills, competence, and experience in this sector by successfully completing a relevant qualification.
At SB Skills Solutions, for example, we offer Steel Erectors the opportunity to take their ECITB (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board) Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting.
Individuals that successfully complete this qualification will receive formal recognition of their technical competence in this area.
Plus, upon registering for an ECITB qualification, those who possess a CCNSG (Client Contractor National Safety Group) Safety Passport will also be awarded an ACE (Assuring Competence in Engineering Construction) red learner card.
This ACE card highlights that the holder is in the process of being certified as a competent worker in this area. Once they’ve achieved the ECITB qualification, the holder will receive a Level 2 or 3 card (depending on the level of the diploma) as a combined CCNSG/ACE card.
This singular CCNSG/ACE card validates the holder’s credentials, allowing them to move between civil and engineering construction sites. As a result, obtaining these Steel Erector qualifications can increase the type and number of career opportunities available to the holder.
Industry Certification & ECITB Qualifications
Alternatively, with some additional training, you could branch out into a related area of the constriction industry, such as welding or scaffolding. A Steel Erector can also increase their career opportunities by obtaining licences to operate plant equipment on site.
At SB Skills Solutions, we offer Steel Erectors the opportunity to take their ECITB Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting to help you achieve industry-wide recognition.
Upon completion of an ECITB qualification, candidates who hold a CCNSG (Client Contractor National Safety Group) Safety Passport will also receive an ACE (Assuring Competence in Engineering Construction) card. This certification validates their technical competence and enhances job mobility between civil and engineering construction sites.
Why pursue steel erecting as a career?
From a healthy salary to professional development opportunities, there are many reasons that individuals choose steel erecting as a career.
Some of the primary reasons to consider a career as a Steel Erector in the UK include:
Playing a vital role in the construction industry
If you want to make a valuable contribution the construction and infrastructure industry, then becoming a Steel Erector is a great place to start. Steel Erectors aren’t only vital for building new, stable structures, but they can also improve the integrity of existing buildings, ensuring they last for many more years to come.
No formal qualifications required
Thanks to the many different pathways into this career, becoming a Steel Erector is an achievable goal regardless of your educational background. While GCSEs are recommended, equivalent qualifications are also considered, so it’s well worth discussing all your options with an advisor.
Career progression opportunities
As mentioned above in more detail, there are plenty of career progression opportunities to explore if you decide to become a Steel Erector.
Regardless of whether you’re looking to move into a supervisory role, undertake training to transition to a related area of construction, or receive formal recognition of your competence as a Steel Erector, pursuing a career in this role can open lots of doors.
Competitive Salary
While the potential salary shouldn’t be the only reason for taking on a particular job role, it can certainly help. So, what can you expect to earn as a Steel Erector in the UK?
According to Talent.com, the average salary for a UK Steel Erector is £39,000 per year (or £20 per hour). However, those working in entry-level positions typically earn £33,235 per annum, while more experienced workers can make up to £50,700 per year.
How SB Skills Solutions can help
Ready to advance your career as a Steel Erector?
SB Skills Solutions offers comprehensive training and assessment services for:
• ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Steel Erecting
• ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Steel Erecting
Our team of qualified instructors and assessors provides expert guidance, from evidence collection to final certification.
On hand to answer questions, assist with collecting evidence, and work to a timeline that meets your needs, you can rely on SB Skills Solutions to help you achieve recognised qualifications that validate your credentials.
Whether you’re an individual seeking career development or an employer looking to upskill your workforce, we’re here to help.
Call us at 01695 558 420 or email us at info@sbskills.co.uk for more information.
Take the next step in your steel erecting career today!
