Steel Erector: What is the work like?

Steel Erectors work in the construction and engineering industries, installing and fixing together the pre-fabricated steel girders, pipework and beams which make up the framework of buildings and other structures, as well as moving plant and equipment. They work on a wide variety of jobs large and small, including power stations, nuclear power stations and petrochemical sites.

Your main duties would include:

• Planning which order to fit the steelwork together, following plans drawn up by engineers and draughtsmen
• Lifting and guiding components into position with cranes
• Securing steelwork in position by bolting or welding methods
• Lining up and levelling steelwork before final fixing
• Working from mobile elevated work platforms or MEWP's (which could be cherry pickers or scissor lifts) to gain safe access to sections off the ground
• Working on the structure itself at heights beyond the reach of MEWP's.

You would use hand and power tools to secure the steelwork and you may be responsible for operating a MEWP to allow access to higher levels. You would normally work in a small team, possibly including a crane driver. Health and Safety is of a great importance and you would be expected to follow safe working practices at all times.

As well as putting up buildings and structures, you might also dismantle steelwork on demolition or alteration jobs and move plant and equipment using different types of lifting equipment. With specialist training, you may be able to carry out fabrication and modification work on site using oxy-fuel cutting equipment, portable drilling machines and welding processes.

Steel Erector: What general skills and interests do you need?

To be a steel erector, you would need:

• A good head for heights, with a sense of balance and alertness
• Good fitness levels
• A high level of practical skills
• Good teamworking skills
• To follow health and safety practices carefully
• The ability to follow engineering plans and instructions accurately