A steel fixer is employed to position and secure steel reinforcing bars and steel meshing used in reinforced concrete structures on construction sites. Engineering drawings must be followed very precisely, as they give exact instructions for the bar type and spacing required.
Recruitment agencies that specialise in filling steel fixer positions in the UK are listed on this page.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no specific entry requirements for this role, but having GCSEs in English, maths, science and technology (A to E grades) is likely to be of benefit. Some employers may also accept equivalent qualifications gained in previous positions. Another route into the profession of steel fixer is through an Apprenticeship scheme with an engineering or construction company. Most training to become fully qualified takes place on-the-job, where a number of NVQs can be gained. These include NVQ in Steel fixing Occupations Level 2 and NVQ in Constructing Capital Plant Steel Structures (Erecting) Level 3, among others. Most construction and engineering firms require their workers to be accredited by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), and hold a valid CSCS card.
Hours and salaries for a Steel Fixer
Most steel fixers work 40 hour weeks, Monday to Friday, with overtime needed if and when a deadline is approaching and work is not at the required stage. Pay starts between £12,000 and £16,000 a year. Those with experience might earn between £17,000 and £27,000 a year. £30,000 a year might be possible in supervisory roles.