Course Genie

ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Erecting Steelwork Components

Accredited by ECITB

The ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Erecting Steelwork Components is the qualification that proves you are a competent steelwork operative, the role commonly known as steel erecting. It is awarded by the ECITB (the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board) and regulated by Ofqual (qualification number 603/4031/9). It sits at Level 2 on the regulated qualifications framework.

It is aimed at steelwork operatives who move, lift, position, install, assemble and dismantle steelwork components. That includes architectural steelwork such as staircases and handrails, and erecting on engineering construction structures, plant and equipment. Like an NVQ, it is competence-based: you demonstrate that you can already do the work to national standards, using evidence from your own job.

The qualification is made up of eight mandatory units covering safe working and risk management, interpreting drawings and procedures, the principles of moving loads, moving steelwork components, installing steelwork components, assembling components using bolted joints, working safely at height on structures, and dismantling steelwork components. There are no optional units, so everyone completes the same set.

Assessment is a combination of ECITB online knowledge tests, observed practical skills assessments in the live workplace or under approved simulated conditions, and a portfolio of evidence you build with your assessor. Because the awarding organisation must observe your skills, it is not assessed by portfolio alone. There are no mandatory entry qualifications.

Steelwork operatives in engineering construction evidence their competence for site access through their sector card and safety-passport schemes. If you also work on general construction sites, the CSCS Cards guide explains how competence cards work. Once qualified at Level 2, experienced steel erectors can progress to the craft-level ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Lifting, Positioning and Installing Structures, Plant and Equipment in the Erecting pathway, and on towards supervisory roles. You can also browse the full range of construction NVQs.

The rules for steel erecting cards changed in 2024. For how this qualification leads to a card, and how it differs from the Level 3 route, see our guide to steel erecting qualifications and cards.

Who it's for

  • Steelwork operatives who move, lift, position and erect steelwork components
  • Steel erectors who have the skills but no formal qualification
  • Workers erecting architectural steelwork such as staircases and handrails
  • Operatives erecting on engineering construction structures, plant and equipment
  • Workers who need a recognised Level 2 competence qualification for steel erecting
  • Self-employed steel erectors wanting nationally recognised proof of competence
  • Steelwork operatives planning to progress to the Level 3 erecting craft qualification

Entry requirements

  • You should be working in steel erecting with enough work to evidence your competence
  • Relevant hands-on steelwork experience is expected given the level and complexity
  • There are no mandatory formal entry qualifications
  • Access to live steelwork erecting work throughout, to gather evidence and be observed
  • You must be available for observed practical skills assessments in the workplace or approved simulated conditions
  • You complete ECITB online knowledge tests as part of the assessment
  • You work with a qualified assessor who supports you and builds your portfolio

What you'll achieve

  • The ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Erecting Steelwork Components, regulated by Ofqual (number 603/4031/9)
  • Nationally recognised proof that you are a competent steelwork operative
  • Recognition across the engineering construction and steelwork industry
  • A qualification that matches the steel erecting work you already do
  • A portfolio of evidence demonstrating competence against national standards
  • A foundation for progression to the Level 3 erecting craft qualification
  • A route on towards supervisory roles in steel erecting
  • A stronger position to win higher-skilled and better-paid steelwork erecting work

What's covered

1
Work safely and manage risk (SE01)
Working safely, effectively, ethically and sustainably while managing risk and hazards.
2
Documentation and procedures (SE02)
Interpreting and following drawings, method statements and procedures, and preparing for work.
3
Principles of moving loads (SE03)
Understanding the principles of moving engineering construction loads safely.
4
Move steelwork components (SE04)
Moving steelwork components safely around the site.
5
Install steelwork components (SE05)
Installing and positioning steelwork components to drawings and specification.
6
Assemble using bolted joints (SE06)
Assembling steelwork components using bolted joints, aligned and secured correctly.
7
Work safely at height (SE07)
Working safely at height on structures during erecting work.
8
Dismantle steelwork components (SE08)
Dismantling steelwork components safely.

How to enrol

  1. 1 Book and pay securely online using the button above. Enrolment is immediate, with no fixed start dates.
  2. 2 We send you a short skill scan form to confirm your experience and that this is the right qualification for you.
  3. 3 We register you with ECITB.
  4. 4 Your assessor gets in touch to get you started and guide you through building your portfolio remotely.

ECITB Level 2 Diploma in Erecting Steelwork Components FAQs

It is a competence-based qualification, similar to an NVQ, that proves you are a skilled steelwork operative, the role commonly known as steel erecting. You demonstrate your competence to national standards using workplace evidence, observed skills and knowledge tests. It is regulated by Ofqual under number 603/4031/9.
Yes. The qualification is for steelwork operatives who move, position, install, assemble and dismantle steelwork components, which is the work commonly known as steel erecting.
It is awarded by the ECITB, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, and regulated by Ofqual. ECITB is the awarding organisation for engineering construction qualifications.
No. This is an engineering construction qualification awarded by ECITB. It is different from the ProQual construction trade NVQs that lead directly to a CSCS skilled-worker card.
Assessment is a combination of ECITB online knowledge tests, observed practical skills assessments in the live or simulated workplace, and a portfolio of evidence from your real work.
There are ECITB online knowledge tests as part of the assessment, alongside observed skills and a portfolio. There is no single traditional written exam, but the knowledge tests must be passed.
Not entirely. You can build much of your portfolio remotely with your assessor, but the qualification requires observed practical skills assessments in the live or simulated workplace, so some assessment must be done in person.
It depends on your experience and how much suitable work you have to evidence. The qualification carries a total qualification time of around 860 hours, which is a notional measure of all the learning it represents, not time off the job.
There are no mandatory formal entry qualifications. Because of the level and complexity of the work, you do need to be working in steel erecting with enough work to evidence your competence.
Steelwork operatives in engineering construction evidence site competence through their sector card and safety-passport schemes. If you also work on general construction sites, the CSCS Cards guide explains how competence cards work. Check the card scheme that applies to your sector and site.
Experienced steel erectors can progress to the craft-level ECITB Level 3 Diploma in the Erecting pathway, and on towards supervisory roles.
The cost varies by provider. CITB or ECITB grant funding may be available to eligible employers, depending on current rates. Compare live prices at the top of this page.
You enrol and pay online, complete a short skills scan form, get registered with the awarding organisation, and your assessor gets in touch to plan your portfolio, knowledge tests and skills assessments.

Other ECITB NVQs

ECITB Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Construction Lifting, Positioning and Installing Structures, Plant and Equipment (Erecting)
From £2500 +VAT
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