Hiring and Sponsoring Steel erectors (SOC Code 5311)

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Steel erectors are specialists who assemble and install structural steelwork for buildings, bridges, industrial plants and other large structures. If your business needs to bring in overseas workers for this role, understanding the sponsorship requirements under SOC code 5311 is essential before you begin the hiring process.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Steel erectors fall under SOC code 5311 and are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship to any overseas worker.
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office, currently £41,700 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
• Steel erectors are not currently on the UK's Immigration Salary List, so no salary discount applies.
• Right to work checks must be completed for all workers, including those sponsored on a Skilled Worker visa.

What Do Steel Erectors Do?

Steel erectors assemble and erect prefabricated metal structures on construction sites. Their work involves reading technical drawings, positioning steel beams and columns, bolting and welding components, operating hoisting equipment, and ensuring everything is correctly aligned to specification.

Typical Duties Under SOC 5311

• Interpreting engineering drawings and work instructions
• Erecting structural steelwork including frames, columns and beams
• Securing steel components using bolts, rivets and welding
• Operating cranes, hoists and other lifting equipment
• Checking alignment and making adjustments to ensure structural integrity
• Following health and safety procedures at height and on site

SOC Code and Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility

The Standard Occupational Classification code for steel erectors is 5311. This code is included in the list of eligible occupations under the Skilled Worker visa route, meaning UK employers can sponsor overseas workers to fill vacancies in this role.

Skill Level and RQF Requirement

SOC 5311 sits at RQF Level 3, which corresponds to A-level or equivalent qualifications. Candidates do not need a degree, but they must have the relevant skills, training and experience to perform the role at the required level. Employers should assess qualifications and experience carefully before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Salary Requirements for Sponsoring Steel Erectors

When sponsoring a worker under SOC 5311, you must pay at least the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for the occupation. Paying below these thresholds will result in a failed visa application and may put your sponsor licence at risk.

Current Salary Thresholds

• General threshold: £41,700 per year
• Going rate for SOC 5311: check the latest Home Office Appendix Skilled Occupations for the current figure
• New entrant rate: £33,400 per year (applies in limited circumstances such as recent graduates or those switching from student visas)

Employers should consult the Home Office Appendix Skilled Occupations to confirm the current going rate before issuing any Certificate of Sponsorship.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

Before you can hire a steel erector from overseas, your business must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Without this, you cannot assign a Certificate of Sponsorship and the worker cannot apply for a visa.

How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

1. Check your business is eligible - you must be a genuine UK-based organisation that is lawfully operating.
2. Appoint key personnel including an authorising officer, key contact and at least one level 1 user for the Sponsor Management System.
3. Gather supporting documents including proof of trading, business registration and HR systems.
4. Submit your online application through the Home Office portal and pay the application fee.
5. Await a decision - the Home Office may conduct a pre-licence compliance visit before granting a licence.

Ongoing Sponsor Duties

• Record and monitor sponsored workers' attendance and working hours
• Report changes in a worker's circumstances to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System
• Maintain up-to-date contact details and employment records
• Carry out right to work checks before employment begins and at renewal
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits

Certificate of Sponsorship for Steel Erectors

Once you hold a sponsor licence, you must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to each overseas worker you intend to hire. The CoS is a reference number rather than a physical document, and it contains details about the job, salary and start date.

Defined vs Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship

• A defined CoS is needed when the worker is applying from outside the UK and the salary is £73,900 or above, or the worker is applying for a senior or specialist worker visa.
• An undefined CoS is used for most standard Skilled Worker applications, including workers already in the UK switching visa categories.

Right to Work Checks

All employers in the UK are legally required to check that every employee has the right to work before they start. For sponsored workers, this means checking their visa conditions and biometric residence permit or eVisa status. Failing to conduct correct checks can result in a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.

How to Conduct a Right to Work Check for a Sponsored Worker

1. Ask the worker to share their right to work details via the Home Office online checking service.
2. Use the share code provided by the worker along with their date of birth to verify their status.
3. Record and retain the outcome of the check, including the date it was carried out.
4. Set a reminder to repeat the check before the worker's permission to work expires.

Recruiting Steel Erectors From Overseas

Steel erectors with the right skills can be recruited from a wide range of countries. Common source markets include Eastern Europe, the Philippines, India and South Africa, where there are established pools of trained structural steel workers. Employers should work with reputable recruitment partners who understand both the technical requirements of the role and the UK immigration process.

Advertising the Role Before Sponsorship

Unlike some other visa routes, the Skilled Worker visa does not require employers to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test before sponsoring an overseas worker. You can proceed directly to sponsorship without needing to advertise the role first, although demonstrating genuine vacancy through a recruitment process is still good practice and may be reviewed during compliance checks.

Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Steel Erector

Sponsoring an overseas worker involves several fees payable to the Home Office as well as potential recruitment and relocation costs. Employers should budget carefully before committing to the sponsorship route.

Home Office Fees

• Sponsor licence application: £1,682 for medium or large sponsors; £536 for small sponsors and charities
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: £239 per worker
• Immigration Skills Charge: £1,000 per year for medium or large sponsors; £364 per year for small sponsors and charities
• Visa application fee: paid by the worker but often covered by the employer as part of the package

Additional Costs to Consider

• Immigration healthcare surcharge paid by the worker for the duration of their visa
• Legal or compliance advice fees if you use an immigration adviser
• Recruitment agency fees if you work with a specialist recruiter
• Relocation support and accommodation assistance for the worker

Health and Safety Considerations for Steel Erectors

Steel erection is a high-risk activity and employers have significant legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Sponsored workers must receive the same health and safety protections as any other employee, and you must not treat them less favourably because of their immigration status.

Key Health and Safety Requirements

• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment including hard hats, harnesses and safety boots
• Ensure workers are trained in working at height and using lifting equipment
• Carry out risk assessments before each phase of steelwork erection
• Appoint a competent person to oversee structural steelwork activities on site
• Comply with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SOC code for steel erectors?

Steel erectors are classified under SOC code 5311. This code is included in the Home Office list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa route, meaning employers can sponsor overseas workers for this role.

Do I need a sponsor licence to hire a steel erector from overseas?

Yes. You must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office before you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship and hire a worker from outside the UK.

What salary must I pay a sponsored steel erector?

You must pay at least £41,700 per year or the going rate for SOC 5311, whichever is higher. Refer to the Home Office Appendix Skilled Occupations for the current going rate figure before assigning any Certificate of Sponsorship.

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