Meet Tom, 17, from Newcastle. He works as an apprentice steel fabricator, building metal structures for A&P, a fabrication and ship repair company. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
How would you describe your job?
A steel fabricator builds metal structures by cutting, bending, and then putting them together.
Do you use any soft skills in your job?
Normally when I come in, I find out what my job is. I usually get a metal grinder, which is used to finish off rough edges. If it鈥檚 cold, I need a torch to heat the metal up. Then I grind the metal to make it look good. I also measure when I鈥檓 fitting bits of metal plate.
What skills do you use?
I have to be very precise with what I do, because the measurement must be exact. Also, team work is important, because we normally work in pairs. Good communication is needed as well, because I鈥檓 working with people that could be from different places. I also have to manage my time and listen to people as well.
What was your educational career path?
I did 11 GCSEs, so all the mandatory ones. I also had to pick a language, Resistant Materials and IT. I stood out at Resistant Materials, so that鈥檚 why I went on to do a hands-on job. After school I applied through Tyne North Training to do an apprenticeship at A&P.
What choices did you make to be where you are now?
There were a lot of times when I could鈥檝e gone out with friends, but I stayed home and revised. That鈥檚 how I鈥檝e got the job now. I鈥檇 like to go on to do health and safety. I am trying to do a first aid course as well.
Top tips
- Definitely do an apprenticeship. It鈥檚 the best way to start off your life. You can follow your skill, learn on the job, and there鈥檚 also the bonus of getting a bit of money
- Also if you don鈥榯 do well in your exams, don鈥檛 worry about it 鈥 just keep trying and pushing.
A similar job to steel fabricator is steel erector. A steel erector assembles the beams and girders that support the structure of buildings, stadiums, bridges and tunnels.
What to expect if you want to be a steel erector
- Steel erector average salary: 拢18,000 to 拢35,000 per year
- Steel erector typical working hours: 47 to 49 hours per week
What qualifications do you need to be a steel erector?
You could get into this role via a college course, an apprenticeship or applying directly.
Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service
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