Something for the weekend: The role of a steel fixer has been ranked as the top construction career for those who want to enter the industry debt-free, according to new research by Excavator Parts Direct (EPD).
Student Loans Company’s June 2025 figures highlighted that the average graduate in England now leaves university with £53,000 in student debt, a 10% rise from 2024. Additionally, up to 500,000 experienced construction workers expected to reach retirement within the next decade.
In response to this, EPD, an aftermarket parts and components supplier for construction and industrial machinery, collected data sources on the best-paid, easiest-to-enter construction jobs. The roles were judged on median pay, training time, and projected industry growth over the next decade.
Steel fixers, who install and tie steel bars used to reinforce concrete on major building projects, claimed the top spot. The role has an average annual salary of £36,000, two years of training through an apprenticeship or Level 2 Diploma college course, and a projected industry growth of 0.8% by 2027.
Close behind are crane operators, earning £34,000 after just 1.5 years of training, and scaffolders, earning £35,000 with a 2.9% industry growth. Crane operators can train via a CPCS or NPORS scheme in under two years, while scaffolders complete an apprenticeship or a CISRS Part 1 scaffolding course.
Calum Mair, commercial director at EPD, said: “As more young people rethink the traditional university route, skilled trades offer a path to financial freedom and long-term job security without the student debt.
“At EPD, we’ve seen firsthand how a career in construction can change lives. With many experienced workers approaching retirement, there’s a huge opportunity for the next generation to step in, upskill, and build a stable and rewarding future.”
If you’re looking for a job change, or know a school leaver beginning to consider their next steps, this might be something to consider!
