What Do Structural Steel Erectors Do?

Do you know what a steel erector does?

Even if you don't, there's a good chance you've seen a steel erection company in action without knowing anything about the profession.

If you've driven by a construction site for a steel building and you've noticed construction workers working on steel frames, you've seen a steel erector, also known as an ironworker, doing their job.

Steel erectors are an essential part of any successful project here at STEVENS, helping to build new steel structures and industrial metal buildings.

In the article below, we'll go over what structural steel erection is, what a steel erector does and what it takes to become a steelworker.

Table of Contents

• What Do Steel Erectors Do?
• Structural Steel Erector Work Environment
• Becoming A Steel Erector
• Steel Erector Skills
• Work With The Best Steel Erectors with STEVENS

What Do Steel Erectors Do?

Structural steel erection workers, or ironworkers, are construction workers specializing in working with steel.

They work in the construction and engineering sectors.

Steel erectors may work on projects of all sizes, from office developments, warehouses, commercial buildings and industrial structures to multi-story residential apartments or car parks, sports stadiums, and bridges.

They are essential in building new steel structures like prefabricated industrial buildings.

They can also improve the quality of existing structures.

There are many levels of training required because steel erectors have to follow appropriate safety guidelines to create, install, place, align and reinforce steel structures and frameworks.

They may work with steel beam attachments, steel girders, structural columns, and a wide range of tools and heavy machinery.

Structural steel erectors may also assemble scaffolding and steel structural elements.

The job of a steel erector typically involves the following duties: 

• Cutting and shaping steel
• Proper use of hand and power tools
• Installing steel girders, pipework, beam sections, and other components for steel frames to make a steel framework
• Using elevated work platforms and scissor lifts
• Laying metal decking
• Fixing safety netting and edge rails
• Reviewing technical plans drawn by architects and engineers
• Planning project assembly
• Lifting and guiding components into position with tower cranes
• Lining up and leveling steelwork and bolting it in place

Structural Steel Erector Work Environment

There are many challenges in steel erection because the steel erection industry involves rigorous, dangerous work. It is one of the more hazardous occupations.

The work is physically demanding, and many job sites are outside.

Steel erection is typically done at great heights as well.

But they do follow proper safety protocols, utilize necessary protective equipment, and they won't work at great heights if there are extremely wet, icy, or windy conditions. Many advanced steel erectors must undergo special training programs if they want to work on connector procedures, controlled decking zones, or multiple-list rigging operations.

As an ironworker, it's essential to be familiar with protection systems and practice strict workplace safety in steel erection.

Steel erectors may wear additional safety devices like a safety harness and use hardware such as decking, netting, steel studs, or handrails during construction processes.

Becoming A Steel Erector

Unlike many trades and professions, there isn't necessarily a single formal way that you become a successful steel erector.

However, most people interested in the profession will go through an apprenticeship to get experience in roles performed by steelworkers.

This is popular because it provides structure to the learning process and gives you the chance to be mentored by a seasoned professional.

If you're interested in an apprenticeship to become a steel erector, keep an eye out for professional organizations or unions.

As an apprentice, you will work alongside journeymen and master steel erectors, doing basic tasks over a four-year period at approximately 2000 hours per year.

You'll also take supplemental classes for instruction related to your coursework, approximately 160 hours per year.

Once you finish your apprenticeship, you'll be a journeyman, and you'll qualify for full pay.

Steel Erector Skills 

Additional skills that would be helpful to you if you're considering a job as a steel erector are: 

• Knowledge of construction
• Logical and critical thinking skills
• Good physical fitness and sufficient strength
• Confidence working at heights
• Awareness and respect of health and safety guidelines
• Excellent team working skills

One of the biggest questions people ask about becoming a steel erector is "Do I need a degree?" The good news is, steel erection typically does not require a college education, so you don't need to worry about getting a college degree.

The apprenticeship takes the place of a college education.

Work With The steel erectors At STEVENS

STEVENS offers high-quality, pre-engineered steel buildings and can work on almost every steel structure.

Our steel erectors will help you erect your pre-engineered steel building.

Our team of steel erectors takes pride in the relationships they build with their clients.

They will ensure that they meet their specific needs and requirements for every steel building project.

If you're interested in a steel building project with a leading steel building erector, STEVENS, click the button below to contact them today.