How to become a structural-metal preparer or erector
Official title: Structural-metal preparers and erectors
Also called: Erector, structural metal, Preparer, structural metal, Riveter
Structural metal preparers and erectors assemble, erect and dismantle structural metal frames of buildings and other structures.
Main tasks
- Marking metal framework as a guide when drilling cutting, and shaping metal stock for use in buildings, ships and other structures
- Drilling, cutting and shaping structural steel in a workshop
- Erecting steel framework for buildings, bridges and other constructions
- Assembling and erecting the framework and other metal parts of ships’ structures
- Shaping and fitting structural steel plates of ships under construction or repair
- Riveting structural metal members by hand, machine or pneumatic riveter
Ways in
- Licence or registration: Registering body: Construction Industry Council. Law: Construction Workers Registration Ordinance (建造業工人註冊條例), Cap. 583. Summary by Peernovo; check the body's current rules.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: HK$21,000 a month
- About 387,500 people in 2025, and about 403,200 projected by 2028. (+4.1%)
- Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.
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Questions people ask
Do you need a degree to become a structural-metal preparer or erector?
Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a structural-metal preparer or erector?
Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.
Sources
- Census and Statistics Department (2021 Population Census): 2021 Population Census, Interactive Data Dissemination Service: working population by occupation (38 groups) and sex, age, education, income; median income and field of education (9 groups) (2021 Population Census), retrieved 4 October 2026
- Census and Statistics Department (General Household Survey): Median monthly employment earnings by occupation (9 groups), excluding foreign domestic helpers (Table 210-06317A); employed persons by occupation, age and sex (210-06307A) and by industry (210-06308A) (2025 annual (series to 2026-07)), retrieved 4 October 2026
- Labour and Welfare Bureau; tables published by C&SD: Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection to 2028: supplementary statistical tables (5 occupation groups, 17 selected industries) (2025 to 2028 (published 2026-09)), retrieved 4 October 2026
- International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026
Updated 4 October 2026