Metal Structures Assembler / Installer jobs in the Netherlands
This page describes a typical Metal Structures Assembler / Installer role on Dutch projects: assembling prefabricated metal/steel elements in a workshop environment and installing them on site (industrial, commercial or construction locations). Openings are assignment-based and may vary by province and client.
Quick facts
Gross pay (brutto)
€18–€25 per hour (gross).
The final rate typically depends on: province/site, collective agreement rules, experience (drawings + installation), shift patterns, and overtime/allowances (project-specific).
Working time
Most assignments run 37.5–40 hours/week.
Overtime and weekend work may be available depending on project phase and client requirements. Premiums, if applicable, follow project rules and applicable agreements.
Typical locations
Projects commonly appear around Rotterdam, Eindhoven and other industrial hubs.
You may also see assignments in South Holland, North Brabant, Utrecht, Gelderland, and the wider Randstad region.
Hiring story (what these projects look like in NL)
Dutch sites often work with prefabricated components: frames, platforms, handrails, stairs, walkways, and support brackets. The pace is steady and the expectation is simple: measure twice, align accurately, install safely, and hand over clean. The strongest candidates combine workshop discipline (clean assembly, correct fixings, tolerance control) with site confidence (anchors, lifts, alignment, and safe working at height).
What you will do (day-to-day)
Day-to-day tasks
Workshop / pre-assembly
- Prepare parts, fasteners and consumables; verify quantities against work instructions.
- Assemble frames and sub-assemblies with correct fixings (bolts, rivets, brackets) and torque where required.
- Check squareness, diagonals and tolerances; correct misalignment before transport to site.
On-site installation
- Install prefabricated elements: handrails, stairs, platforms, structural brackets, supports and guarding.
- Mark-out drilling points; drill and set anchors (mechanical/chemical as specified).
- Work with lifts/scaffolds; apply fall protection and follow site permits (hot works, work at height).
Quality & handover
- Perform final checks: alignment, fixings, sharp edges, protection caps, and basic snagging.
- Keep the work area orderly; segregate waste/metal offcuts per site rules.
- Support supervisor with simple sign-off notes if requested by the client.
Sites & safety expectations
You will work on industrial, commercial or construction locations where safety routines are strict: PPE compliance, controlled tool use, safe lifting, and clear communication. Most clients expect basic English for instructions and hazard awareness.
Requirements
Must-have
- Experience in metal/steel assembly or installation (workshop and/or site-based).
- Ability to read basic drawings or follow structured work instructions accurately.
- Confident use of hand and power tools (drill, impact driver, grinders where applicable).
- Basic English for safety communication on site.
- CV in English is required for review and selection.
Nice-to-have
- Safety certificate commonly used on NL sites (e.g., VCA Basic) or willingness to obtain it.
- MEWP / scissor lift ticket (project-dependent).
- Experience with anchors/fixings and tolerance checks (alignment, levelling, shimming).
- Valid driving licence (helps for multi-site assignments; not always mandatory).
Tools, equipment & work environment
Exact tooling depends on project scope. Many sites provide specialized equipment; you are expected to handle standard tools responsibly and maintain safe working practices.
Work can involve standing, carrying materials, repetitive fastening, and occasional work at height. If you have limitations, note them in your CV so the project can be matched appropriately.
Pay & working time (gross / brutto)
Indicative range: €18–€25 per hour (gross / brutto).
- Province/site: rates can vary by region and client.
- Experience: drawing reading, anchors/fixings, installation at height typically increases the rate.
- Overtime: premiums (if applicable) depend on project rules and applicable agreements.
- Shift patterns: night/late shifts may carry additional allowances on some projects.
Any accommodation, travel arrangement, probation periods, and deductions (if applicable) are always project-specific and confirmed during screening. Avoid assumptions; rely on written assignment terms.
Candidate snapshot
You are a good fit if you…
- Enjoy structured assembly work and keep quality consistent across repetitive tasks.
- Can align and install components accurately (levels, diagonals, tolerances).
- Are comfortable drilling and setting fixings/anchors according to instructions.
- Follow safety rules without shortcuts, especially for access equipment and work at height.
- Communicate clearly (basic English) when something doesn’t match the drawing or site condition.
- Keep a tidy workstation and respect client housekeeping rules.
- Can work steadily in a mixed team (installers, supervisors, logistics).
This role is not for you if you…
- Prefer improvised work without drawings, measurements or sign-off checks.
- Ignore PPE, permits, or site instructions (clients will remove workers for this).
- Are not comfortable with occasional work at height or using access equipment.
- Cannot maintain attention to detail (misalignment and wrong fixings are critical issues).
Documents & process (incl. non-EU candidates)
Documents you typically need
- Valid passport / identity document.
- CV (English preferred) and any certificates that support your skills (optional but helpful).
- Proof of experience where available (references, photos of projects, certificates).
- Background checks may be required for certain industrial clients (project-dependent).
Process (high level)
- Submit your CV for review and matching to live assignments.
- Short screening (skills, availability, location flexibility, site readiness).
- Document check and onboarding steps as required for legal work on the project.
- Site induction and start on the agreed date (project-based).
For legal work in the Netherlands via an employer, you may hear terms such as employer-specific authorization, project onboarding compliance, and (where applicable) posted-worker documentation. These requirements differ by scenario, so they are clarified in writing during onboarding.
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