Hiring and Sponsoring Steel erectors (SOC Code 5311)

Steel Erectors, classified under SOC Code 5311, are essential construction professionals who play a crucial role in the erection of steel structures and frameworks. Their responsibilities encompass a range of tasks necessary for the safe and precise assembly of steel components. Key aspects of their role include:

• Examination of Drawings and Specifications: Analyzing project plans to determine job requirements and necessary materials.
• Erection of Ladders, Scaffolding, or Working Cages: Ensuring safe access and work platforms during construction processes.
• Direction of Hoisting and Positioning: Coordinating the lifting and placement of girders and other metal parts, while ensuring correct alignment.
• Bolting and Welding: Arranging for, or personally undertaking, the fastening of metal components to secure the structure.
• Alignment Checks: Utilizing tools such as spirit levels and plumb-rules to verify the accuracy of metal parts placement.

With the ongoing expansion of infrastructure projects in the UK, the demand for skilled steel erectors is on the rise. Many construction firms are actively seeking to recruit talented professionals from abroad to meet their workforce needs. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the complexities of hiring and sponsoring steel erectors under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Steel erectors?

SOC Code 5311 refers to steel erectors who are responsible for assembling and erecting structural steel components for buildings and other structures. Their responsibilities can include:

• Examining drawings and specifications: Assessing job requirements based on architectural and engineering plans.
• Erecting ladders and scaffolding: Setting up safe working environments for construction.
• Directing hoisting and positioning: Ensuring accurate placement of girders and other metal parts during assembly.
• Arranging for bolting and welding: Overseeing or performing the fastening of metal components to secure structural integrity.
• Checking alignment: Utilizing tools like spirit levels and plumb-rules to confirm the correct positioning of metal parts.

Steel erectors play a vital role in the construction industry, ensuring the safety, stability, and durability of structures through their specialized skills and expertise.

Eligibility to Hire Steel erectors (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Steel erectors must demonstrate technical proficiency and meet specific qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Technical Skills: Expertise in reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings, and specifications to evaluate job requirements.
• Physical Abilities: Capability to erect ladders, scaffolding, or working cages necessary for construction projects.
• Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety protocols and practices related to hoisting and positioning of girders and other metal parts.
• Alignment Proficiency: Ability to check alignment using precision tools such as spirit levels and plumb-rules.
• Welding and Bolting Skills: Experience in performing or coordinating the bolting and welding of metal components.
• Certifications: Valid certifications in safety, welding, or rigging may be beneficial.
• Experience: Prior work experience or apprenticeship in structural steel erection or related fields.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 5311 and that the steel erector’s qualifications and experience meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Steel erectors: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Steel erectors under SOC Code 5311.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Steel erectors, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Steel erectors under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Steel erectors. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Steel erectors applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Steel erectors’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Steel erectors can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Steel erectors

Before the Steel erectors begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Steel erectors’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Steel erectors holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Steel erectors’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Steel erectors’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Steel erectorss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Steel erectors

Sponsoring Steel erectors under SOC Code 5311 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Steel erectors, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Steel erectors under SOC Code 5311 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.