Steel fixer

Steel fixers install and tie together steel bars and mesh that are used to strengthen concrete on construction projects.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a steel fixer, you could:

  • create structures and components from plans
  • use hand and power tools to cut and bend bars or mesh
  • tie reinforcement bars and mesh together with wire, clips or welds to build up sections
  • secure steel to concrete bases
  • install beams and pre-cast slabs
  • work closely with engineering designers, steel erectors and other construction workers

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a steel fixer to be a green job, you could:

  • use recycled steel
  • work on projects like wind farms, which support the move to cleaner energy
  • follow the company sustainability policies

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work on high rise buildings, on a construction site or on other structures.

Your working environment may be at height, physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and cramped.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

As an experienced steel fixer, you could become a site safety supervisor or engineering technician.

You could also move into related areas like:

  • welding
  • scaffolding
  • training

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • physical skills like strength, balance and co-ordination
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height

Most relevant

  • Mathematics - Steel fixers read technical plans and calculate measurements, lengths, and quantities of steel bars and mesh needed for each job. They work with angles and dimensions when cutting and bending reinforcement to fit precise specifications.
  • Design and Technology - Steel fixers use hand and power tools daily to cut, bend, and shape steel bars and mesh. Understanding how to work with materials, read technical drawings, and follow construction plans is central to the role.
  • Engineering - Steel fixers work closely with engineering designers and need to understand how steel reinforcement strengthens concrete structures. Knowing how forces like tension and compression act on buildings helps them position bars and mesh correctly.
  • Physics - Steel fixers need to understand how forces act on structures and why steel reinforcement is placed in specific positions within concrete. Concepts like load distribution, tension, and the properties of materials are directly relevant to their work.

Also relevant

  • Physical Education - Steel fixers do physically demanding work that requires strength, balance, and coordination – often at height and in difficult conditions. A good level of fitness and body awareness helps them work safely and effectively on site.
  • Environmental Science - Steel fixers increasingly work on green projects like wind farms and may use recycled steel as part of sustainability policies. Understanding environmental issues helps them appreciate how construction practices can reduce their impact on the planet.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

You could take a construction or engineering qualification like construction skills. This could help you to find a trainee job with a company when you finish your course.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

You can apply to do a Steel Fixer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

You could apply directly to work as a steel fixer. To do this, you'll usually need work-based qualifications in construction or engineering, or on-site experience.

Employers may also want you to have some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Registration

Further information

You can get more details about working and training as a steel fixer from Go Construct and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).

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