Steel fixer

How to become a steel fixer

There are several routes to becoming a steel fixer. You could do a college course, an apprenticeship or apply to an employer directly.  

You should explore these routes to become a steel fixer to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

Your local college or training provider may offer a Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or a Level 2 Award in Skills for Engineering, which would help you start your journey to becoming a steel fixer.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain onsite experience as a steel fixer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced steel fixer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a steel fixer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills 

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a steel fixer include: 

• Able to work to technical plans
• Comfortable working at height
• Good level of physical fitness
• Happy to work outdoors in all weathers and in cramped conditions.

Qualifications

What does a steel fixer do?

As a steel fixer you could be: 

• Setting out the work area, following engineering plans 
• Using hand and power tools to cut and bend bars or mesh
• Tying steel reinforcement bars (rebars) to build cages
• Fitting spacers and chairs (supports)
• Using rebar to build special casts to keep setting concrete in place
• Fixing steel to concrete bases
• Installing beams and pre-cast slabs.

How much could you earn as a steel fixer?

The expected salary for a steel fixer varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained steel fixers can earn £14,000 - £25,000
• Trained steel fixers with some experience can earn £25,000 - £35,000*
• Self-employed steel fixers set their own pay rates.

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest steel fixer vacancies: 

• Indeed
• Total Jobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to supervisory roles, train to become an engineering technician or set up your own business.