what is a steel fixer?
As a steel fixer, you create the steel mesh and bars used in concrete construction projects. You work with all types of steel in construction and building processes. The job involves installing and welding steel pieces together to create frames for buildings. You tie steel mesh and steel bars together to strengthen and secure buildings. Before you create steel structures, you work out the required shapes and sizes of reinforced bars.
The duties of a steel fixer depend on the project, but the role typically includes welding and designing steel structures. You work on projects of diverse sizes, from decorative structures to load-bearing structures used for building skyscrapers and buildings. You also weld structures used in the mining and manufacturing industries, requiring a thorough understanding of the load-bearing capabilities of different metals and frame designs.
Working as a steel fixer requires exceptional technical skills. You should be comfortable working with various construction tools, like bolt cutters and welding gear. Knowledge of workplace safety is essential since you work in hazardous environments and are prone to injuries and accidents. Steel fixing requires precision to ensure good structural support for buildings, and attention to detail is crucial.
see steel fixer jobsaverage salary of a steel fixer
As a steel fixer, you earn an average salary of $80,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you start with a salary of $70,000 annually, while experienced steel fixers take home over $90,000 yearly. The remuneration package depends on various factors, including experience and expertise. When you have minimal experience and qualifications, you start with a low salary since you have minimal skills. With additional expertise, you can negotiate a higher remuneration package.
The projects you work on influence your earnings. For instance, working on small projects attracts a lower salary due to the limited resources. You also require additional expertise due to the complexity of the projects. Large projects like skyscrapers have unlimited resources and require a high level of expertise in construction designs.
Your qualifications influence your remuneration prospects. If you have entry-level qualifications, you work only on small projects. As you improve your qualifications, you can work on complex projects and earn more. The location also affects your earnings. For instance, working in metro areas attracts higher hourly rates than jobs in smaller cities. Metro areas usually have large projects, and the demand for steel fixers is higher, raising the remuneration package.
Want to know what you will earn as a steel fixer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of steel fixers
As a steel fixer, you use a wide variety of different tools and materials. Unlike other construction workers, you don't specialise in a single tool or technique. You work with all types of steel reinforcement, from inexpensive mild steel bars to high tensile-strength prestressing bars. Versatility is an important quality for a steel fixer.
working as a steel fixer
Steel fixers create metal forms for concrete projects and ensure stability in building structures. Here is an overview of the duties, responsibilities, work schedule and career outlook of a steel fixer:
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steel fixer job description
Your duties depend on the project you are working on, but the most common tasks include:
- preparing the work area: as a steel fixer, you prepare the worksite for the project ahead. You also study engineering plans or technical drawings and set up the work area based on those instructions. That includes choosing steel and other materials.
- measuring and cutting welded wire mesh and steel: you measure the steel bars and mesh required for projects and cut them to their specified sizes. As a steel fixer, you use power tools, including hand tools and heavy machinery, to cut or bend steel to the desired shape. You ensure the steel mesh and bars fit the engineering plan's requirements.
- fitting mesh and reinforced steel into concrete bases: as a steel fixer, you reinforce steel by fitting supports, like spaces and chairs, to secure and strengthen the steel. You also fit steel bars into the concrete bases. Anchoring is essential when an existing structure requires an additional concrete structure.
- installing steel beams and slabs: as a steel fixer, you install precast slabs and beams and fabricate steel reinforcements. Reinforcements help protect structures from damage. You install precast slabs to improve the structural integrity of the building under construction.
- maintaining and repairing steel structures: as a steel fixer, you perform maintenance and repair work on steel structures and frames. For instance, you repair infrastructure made of steel, such as bridges, industrial sites and buildings. Your duties may include fabricating replacement steel bars and mesh to fit them within the existing structures.
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work environment
As a steel fixer, your work takes you outside, particularly on construction sites. This job can involve working at heights, so being able to do this safely is an important skill. Your work also takes you into cramped spaces.
Some steel fixer jobs take place in factories, producing precast concrete items that ship with their steel reinforcements already in place. Environments like these can be hot, loud and busy. Whether you work at an outdoor construction site or in a busy indoor environment, your professionalism helps keep you and others safe.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include welders, boilermakers and bricklayers. You might also be working in close proximity to computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinists and pipefitters, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, civil engineers, formworkers and structural engineers.
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work schedule
The construction industry is highly deadline-driven. That means your work sometimes runs up against inflexible deadlines. When this happens, you may find yourself working late hours or on weekends. These extra hours don't happen on every job but are part of the career. Being flexible about your schedule is an important quality for steel fixers.
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job outlook
Your work as a steel fixer gives you valuable experience that you can carry into other roles. If you want to transition from steel fixing to another career, you have several options. Using your knowledge of construction and safety, you could become a site safety supervisor. Your experience working with steel could also help you become a welder, while your familiarity with heights would be useful as a scaffolder. You could broaden the scope of your work by becoming an engineering technician or moving into a mentoring role, such as a trainer.
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advantages of finding a steel fixer job through randstad
Finding your steel fixer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a steel fixer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
You require a trade qualification in steel fixing to work as a steel fixer in Australia. However, some employers don't require formal qualifications. Hence, demonstrated experience in construction environments is often sufficient to land you a role. If you want to pursue a trade qualification, consider a Certificate III in Steelfixing. You can complete the trade qualification through a part-time course or the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process.
Due to the nature of your work, you need additional training in workplace safety. For instance, you require a Work Safely at Heights certificate completed through training from a registered training organisation (RTO). Since you work in construction, you also require a White Card.
steel fixer skills and competencies
Becoming a steel fixer requires multiple skills, including:
- knowledge of building and construction: as a steel fixer, you use technical drawings to create steel bars and reinforce beams to support the weight of structures. Prior knowledge of construction projects makes your work easier.
- attention to detail: as a steel fixer, you require detail-oriented skills. It is important to check measurements and designs accurately to ensure the structures are reinforced properly.
- teamwork skills: as a steel fixer, you work with engineers, construction workers and steel erectors. Your ability to work well within a team is vital in your role. Collaboration skills help you share ideas and complete the work more efficiently by working together.
- ability to stay calm under pressure: you work under tight deadlines to meet the requirements of construction projects. That means you are always under pressure to complete your duties on time. Effective steel fixers stay calm despite the pressure and tight deadlines.
- physical ability: as a steel fixer, you require physical stamina and strength since your role involves lifting heavy materials around construction sites. You also require excellent coordination and mobility to reduce workplace accidents and injuries.
FAQs about working as a steel fixer
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a steel fixer.
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what are the duties of a steel fixer?
As a steel fixer, you position steel bars and create structures used in construction projects. You shape the steel bars in reinforced concrete and weld structural steel materials into place. Other duties include installing precast slabs and beams.
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what skills do you need to be a steel fixer?
As a steel fixer, you require physical skills to move heavy materials around a work site. You also need good problem-solving skills and attentiveness to detail to get the measurements right and repair steel structures.
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how do l become a steel fixer?
You require trade qualifications, like a Certificate III in Steelfixing, which you can complete through part-time courses. You also require a White Card to work on construction sites and a Work Safely at Heights certificate.
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how much does a steel fixer get paid in Australia?
As a steel fixer, you take home an average salary of $80,000 per year. The amount fluctuates based on your skills, experience and the projects you work on. The salary range for steel fixers in Australia is $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
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what is the difference between a steel fixer and a steel erector?
Steel erectors and steel fixers work together in building and construction. Steel erectors create the frames that construction workers use to build the entire structure, whereas a steel fixer designs the reinforcements to ensure the frames can support the weight of the building.
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how do I apply for a steel fixer vacancy?
Applying for a steel fixer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
