How to become a steel erector
Official title: Steel erectors
Also called: Erector, Steel worker, Steel erector, Tower erector, Girder erector, Furnace erector, Sheeter erector, Ironwork erector, Steel fabricator, Steel constructor, Steelwork erector, Structural erector
Steel erectors fit and erect structural metal framework for buildings and other structures such as metal chimneys.
Main tasks
- Examines drawings and specifications to assess job requirements
- Erects ladders, scaffolding or working cage
- Directs hoisting and positioning of girders and other metal parts and checks alignment
- Arranges for or undertakes bolting and welding of metal parts
- Checks alignment of metal parts using spirit level and plumb-rule
How to become one
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though GCSEs/S grades are advantageous. Entry is typically through an approved apprenticeship programme or college course in conjunction with on-the-job training, leading to a NVQ/SVQ level 2/3 qualification, or through building up work experience supplemented with short courses.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship (England): Engineering construction erector rigger (level 3). England. Typically 36 months. Skills England standard ST0433.
Pay · Outlook
- Median full-time pay: £35,824 a year
Related jobs
- Stonemasons and related trades
- Bricklayers
- Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
- Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Glaziers, window fabricators and fitters
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Questions people ask
How do I become a steel erector?
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though GCSEs/S grades are advantageous. Entry is typically through an approved apprenticeship programme or college course in conjunction with on-the-job training, leading to a NVQ/SVQ level 2/3 qualification, or through building up work experience supplemented with short courses.
How much does a steel erector earn in the UK?
Median full-time pay is £35,824 a year (Office for National Statistics).
Sources
- Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03