Erector
🇦🇺 Introduction
An Erector licence in Australia refers to the legal authorisation required for professionals who assemble, install, or erect large structural components, such as steel frameworks, scaffolding, towers, signs, and prefabricated structures on construction sites.
Depending on the specific trade and state regulations, an Erector may perform the following:
• Structural Steel Erection: Assembling and securing steel beams, columns, trusses, and girders for buildings or bridges.
• Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling: Setting up scaffolding for access or support during construction or maintenance.
• Precast or Prefabricated Component Installation: Installing pre-made walls, panels, or modules on site.
• Tower and Mast Erection: Installing communication towers, wind turbines, and large signs.
• Temporary Structure Assembly: Erecting stages, platforms, or temporary shelters for events or construction use.
🇦🇺 Types
Because “Erector” work often involves high-risk construction and structural assembly, it is governed under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations.
Instead of one national "Erector Licence," the role is covered by several specific High-Risk Work Licences (HRWLs) and Building Trade Licences, depending on the kind of erection work performed.
Below are the key types:
1. Scaffolding Erector Licence
Purpose: Authorises the holder to erect, alter, and dismantle scaffolding used for supporting people, materials, or structures during construction.
Categories:
|
Licence Type |
Description |
Example of Work |
|
Basic Scaffolding (SB) |
Erecting prefabricated modular scaffolds up to 4 metres high. |
Domestic or small commercial scaffolds. |
|
Intermediate Scaffolding (SI) |
Includes cantilevered, spurred, and tube-and-coupler scaffolds. |
Medium-rise construction scaffolds. |
|
Advanced Scaffolding (SA) |
Includes suspended, hung, and cantilevered scaffolds. |
High-rise, industrial, and bridge scaffolding. |
Regulating Authority: SafeWork or WorkSafe office in each state/territory (e.g., SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria).
2. Rigging Erector Licence
Purpose: Allows the holder to perform rigging and structural steel erection, including the placement, securing, and dismantling of large structural components.
Categories:
|
Licence Type |
Description |
Example of Work |
|
Basic Rigging (RB) |
Erecting structural steel, hoists, and simple plant. |
Warehouse steel frames, light towers. |
|
Intermediate Rigging (RI) |
Includes cranes, conveyors, and rigging of tilt-up panels. |
Industrial or factory installations. |
|
Advanced Rigging (RA) |
Complex rigging like flying foxes, guyed derricks, and suspended structures. |
Bridges, wind turbines, towers. |
Regulating Authority: State/Territory WHS regulator (e.g., WorkSafe QLD, NT WorkSafe, WorkSafe SA).
3. Structural Steel Erector Licence (Contractor Level)
Purpose: Required for businesses or individuals contracting to assemble and install steel frameworks or prefabricated structural components.
• Usually falls under a Builder or Trade Contractor Licence category in the relevant state.
Examples by State:
|
State |
Licence Name |
Regulator |
|
NSW |
Structural Steel Erection Licence (under Building Specialist category) |
NSW Fair Trading |
|
QLD |
Structural Metal Fabrication & Erection Contractor Licence |
QBCC |
|
VIC |
Covered under Commercial Builder (Limited to Structural Steel) |
Victorian Building Authority (VBA) |
4. Precast Concrete Erector Licence
Purpose: For installing precast concrete panels, beams, and columns on-site.
• Work involves craning and securing heavy precast elements safely.
• Typically requires both a Rigging (RI or RA) high-risk licence and Builder/Contractor accreditation for structural work.
5. Sign or Tower Erector Licence
Purpose: For workers installing large-scale signs, masts, and communication towers.
• Requires Basic or Intermediate Rigging Licence for lifting/positioning structures.
• May also require Working at Heights certification and Electrical Awareness (if near power lines).
6. Temporary Structure Erector Licence
Purpose: Applies to professionals who assemble stages, platforms, tents, and temporary stands for events or construction support.
• Typically regulated through Rigging or Scaffolding licences, depending on structure type.
• For commercial events, may also require a Temporary Structure Permit issued by local council or building authority.
7. Crane and Hoist Erection Licence
Purpose: Covers those who install or dismantle tower cranes, hoists, or lifts used in construction.
• Requires a Rigging Licence (Intermediate or Advanced).
• In some cases, may also need a Crane Operator Licence (CT, CN, C6, C1) depending on work tasks.
🏢 Summary of Key Erector Licence Types
|
Licence Type |
Abbreviation |
Scope |
Example Roles |
|
Basic Scaffolding |
SB |
Modular scaffolds up to 4m |
Domestic builder, small sites |
|
Intermediate Scaffolding |
SI |
Cantilevered, spurred scaffolds |
Commercial projects |
|
Advanced Scaffolding |
SA |
Suspended or hung scaffolds |
High-rise, bridges |
|
Basic Rigging |
RB |
Structural steel, hoists |
Steel erector |
|
Intermediate Rigging |
RI |
Tilt-up panels, cranes |
Industrial rigger |
|
Advanced Rigging |
RA |
Complex rigging/towers |
Tower erector |
|
Structural Steel Erection |
– |
Fabrication and installation |
Commercial fabricator/erector |
|
Precast Concrete Erection |
– |
Precast panels and beams |
Concrete erector |
⚖️ Regulatory Framework
All these licences fall under:
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Schedule 3 – High Risk Work Licences)
• State or Territory-specific Building Licensing Legislation
🇦🇺 Qualifications
Below is a breakdown of the core qualification pathways for different types of erection work.
1. Scaffolding Erector Licence Qualifications
To obtain a Scaffolding Licence (SB, SI, or SA), applicants must complete accredited training and assessment through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Core requirements:
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Completed a General Construction Induction (White Card)
• Completed formal training in the relevant scaffolding unit of competency
• Demonstrated practical experience under supervision
Training Units of Competency:
|
Licence Class |
National Training Unit |
Description |
|
Basic Scaffolding (SB) |
CPCCLSF2001 — Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding basic level |
Covers modular scaffolds, fall protection systems |
|
Intermediate Scaffolding (SI) |
CPCCLSF3001 — Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding intermediate level |
Includes cantilevered and spurred scaffolds |
|
Advanced Scaffolding (SA) |
CPCCLSF4001 — Licence to erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding advanced level |
Includes suspended and hung scaffolds |
Assessment:
• Conducted by an RTO approved by the state regulator (e.g., SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe QLD).
• Must pass both theoretical and practical assessments demonstrating competence.
2. Rigging / Structural Erector Licence Qualifications
To perform steel erection, tower assembly, or rigging, you need a Rigging Licence (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced).
Core requirements:
• Age 18+ and White Card holder
• Completion of a High-Risk Work training program with a licensed RTO
• Demonstrate competence through supervised workplace experience
Training Units of Competency:
|
Licence Class |
National Unit |
Description |
|
Basic Rigging (RB) |
CPCCLRG3001 — Licence to perform rigging basic level |
Structural steel erection, hoists, and safety nets |
|
Intermediate Rigging (RI) |
CPCCLRG3002 — Licence to perform rigging intermediate level |
Includes cranes, conveyors, precast panels |
|
Advanced Rigging (RA) |
CPCCLRG4001 — Licence to perform rigging advanced level |
Includes guyed derricks, flying foxes, suspended structures |
Assessment:
• Must be conducted by an accredited assessor authorised by the WHS regulator.
• Involves both knowledge tests and practical demonstrations.
3. Structural Steel or Precast Erector Licence (Contractor/Builder Level)
If you are running a business or supervising large-scale structural steel erection or precast panel installation, you may also require a Builder or Trade Contractor Licence.
Typical qualifications (vary by state):
|
State |
Licence Type |
Minimum Qualification |
|
NSW |
Structural Steel Erection |
CPC31220 — Certificate III in Structural Steel Construction or equivalent |
|
QLD |
Structural Metal Fabrication & Erection Contractor Licence |
CPC31220 — Certificate III in Structural Steel Construction or MEM30319 — Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade |
|
VIC |
Commercial Builder (Limited to Structural Steel) |
CPC50220 — Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) or equivalent experience |
|
WA/SA/TAS |
Trade Licence under WorkSafe / Consumer Affairs |
Recognised trade certificate in steel erection or fabrication, plus business competency (if contracting) |
4. Additional Mandatory Requirements
Regardless of the licence type, erectors must meet workplace and safety requirements, including:
• White Card (CPCCWHS1001) – mandatory for all construction site workers.
• High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL) – issued after successful training and assessment.
• Workplace logbook experience – proving supervised hours in the relevant type of erection work.
• Identification and medical fitness – required at the time of licence application.
5. Optional but Beneficial Qualifications
• CPC40120 — Certificate IV in Building and Construction (for supervisory roles)
• Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (for contractor-level licensing)
• Working at Heights Ticket (RIIWHS204E) – often mandatory for scaffolders and riggers
• Dogging Licence (CPCCLDG3001) – prerequisite for rigging licences
6. Application Process (Typical Steps)
• Complete RTO training for the relevant licence class.
• Pass the assessment (theory + practical).
• Receive a Statement of Attainment from the RTO.
• Apply for a High-Risk Work Licence through your state WorkSafe/SafeWork authority.
• If contracting, apply for a Builder or Trade Contractor Licence through the state building authority (e.g., QBCC, NSW Fair Trading).
🧾 Summary Table
|
Licence Type |
Qualification Required |
Training Code |
Regulator |
|
Basic Scaffolding |
Certificate + HRWL |
CPCCLSF2001 |
SafeWork / WorkSafe |
|
Intermediate Scaffolding |
Certificate + HRWL |
CPCCLSF3001 |
SafeWork / WorkSafe |
|
Advanced Scaffolding |
Certificate + HRWL |
CPCCLSF4001 |
SafeWork / WorkSafe |
|
Basic Rigging |
Certificate + HRWL |
CPCCLRG3001 |
SafeWork / WorkSafe |
|
Intermediate Rigging |
Certificate + HRWL |
CPCCLRG3002 |
SafeWork / WorkSafe |
|
Advanced Rigging |
Certificate + HRWL |
CPCCLRG4001 |
SafeWork / WorkSafe |
|
Structural Steel Erection |
Certificate III (CPC31220) |
– |
State Building Authority |
|
Precast Erection |
Certificate III (CPC31220 / CPC30320) |
– |
State Building Authority |
✅ In summary:
To become a licensed Erector in Australia, you must complete a recognised High-Risk Work training program (Rigging or Scaffolding), obtain a Statement of Attainment from an approved RTO, hold a White Card, and apply for the relevant High-Risk Work Licence through your state or territory’s Work Health and Safety regulator.
For contracting or supervisory roles, a Certificate III or IV in Structural Steel or Building Construction is also required.
Compliance and Penalties
• Improvement or Prohibition Notices can be issued.
• Fines up to $50,000 for individuals, $250,000+ for companies.
• Licence suspension or cancellation by the regulator.
• Penalties include immediate licence cancellation, fines up to $10,000, and criminal prosecution.
Where to Verify a License
State/Territory Verification Authorities
|
State/Territory |
Licensing Authority |
Verification Link / Notes |
|
New South Wales (NSW) |
Verify NSW |
verify.licence.nsw.gov.au |
|
Victoria (VIC) |
WorkSafe Victoria |
worksafe.vic.gov.au |
|
Queensland (QLD) |
WorkSafe QLD |
worksafe.qld.gov.au |
|
Western Australia (WA) |
Western Australian Government |
wa.gov.au |
|
South Australia (SA) |
SafeWork SA |
safework.sa.gov.au |
|
Tasmania (TAS) |
WorkSafe Tasmania |
worksafe.tas.gov.au |
|
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
WORKSAFE ACT |
worksafe.act.gov.au |
|
Northern Territory (NT) |
NT Worksafe |
worksafe.nt.gov.au |
Career Roles
• Structural Steel Erector
• Scaffolder / Scaffolding Erector
• Rigger / Rigging Erector
• Precast Concrete Erector
• Tower / Mast Erector
• Temporary Structure Erector
• Supervisor / Foreman Roles
• Contractor / Business Owner
Job Outlook and Salary
🔧 Structural Steel Erector
• Average Salary: Approximately $95,647 per year or $46 per hour.
• Entry-Level (1–3 years): Around $70,000–$71,000 per year.
• Senior-Level (8+ years): Up to $115,000–$116,000 per year.
🧗♂️ Rigger
• Average Salary: Ranges from $95,000 to $115,000 per year.
• Hourly Rate: Approximately $52.74 per hour.
• Entry-Level: Starting salaries around $80,000 per year.
🪜 Scaffolder
• Average Salary: Between $80,000 and $85,000 per year.
• Hourly Rate: Ranges from $35 to $50 per hour, depending on experience and location.