Rebar Worker (Steel Fixer) in the Netherlands
This page describes a typical Rebar Worker (Steel Fixer) profile for Dutch construction projects. Vacancies are usually tied to a specific site (commercial builds, infrastructure, industrial foundations, or precast yards). If you can work accurately from marks and drawings, keep pace without compromising safety, and deliver clean reinforcement setups before pours, you are in the right place.
At a glance
Role: Rebar Worker (Steel Fixer)
Typical work: tying/binding reinforcement, placing cages, maintaining cover and spacing, preparing for concrete pours
Site types: commercial slabs/columns, infrastructure elements, foundations, retaining structures (project-dependent)
Locations: often Randstad (Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague) and other provinces depending on project planning
Pay: €18–€25 gross per hour (indicative). Final terms depend on experience, project complexity, province, and allowances.
Hiring story (why steel fixers are in demand)
Dutch projects often run on tight pour windows and inspection gates. When reinforcement is late, incorrectly spaced, or missing cover, the entire sequence slows down. Teams hire reliable steel fixers to keep reinforcement work clean and predictable: cages assembled on time, laps correct, chairs in place, embeds respected, and the pour crew not waiting. This role is for people who can work fast and still leave a setup that passes checks.
What you will do
Expect repetitive precision work with periods of heavy handling. Most days are a mix of preparation, placement, and final checks before a pour.
Typical tasks on site
- Read marks and reinforcement drawings (basic schedules, bar sizes, lap lengths, positions).
- Cut/bend (where applicable) and tie reinforcement steel; assemble cages for columns, beams, walls, and slabs.
- Place rebar with correct cover using spacers/chairs; maintain alignment and levels.
- Install starter bars, mesh, stirrups, and supports; coordinate with formwork and concrete teams.
Quality & safety expectations
- Keep laps, hooks, and spacing consistent; avoid “last-minute” fixes right before pour.
- Respect clearances for embeds, sleeves, anchors, and penetrations.
- Handle rebar safely (pinch points, sharp ends, lifting/rigging discipline).
- Work to site safety rules; stop and clarify if the drawing/site condition conflicts.
Practical note: basic English for safety instructions is expected on most sites; the exact level depends on the team and project.
Tools, methods & site types
Common tools/materials:
- Rebar tying wire (manual or tying gun depending on site), nippers/pliers, measuring tape, chalk/marker.
- Spacers/chairs, tie wraps, simple jigs; cutters/benders where assigned (site rules apply).
- PPE: gloves, eye protection, safety boots, helmet; additional PPE per risk assessment.
Where you may work:
- Infrastructure/foundations (heavy cages, anchors, strict tolerances).
- Commercial builds (slabs/columns with coordinated MEP penetrations).
- Industrial bases (dense reinforcement, sequencing with steel/formwork).
- Precast yards (repeatable elements; faster pace, strong quality control).
Pay, overtime & deductions (gross / brutto)
All figures below are shown as gross (before statutory taxes/insurance). Final rates depend on the province, project CAO/scale, experience level, and whether the work includes special conditions (complex cages, night/weekend windows, or tight pour sequencing).
| Component | Typical range / notes |
|---|---|
| Gross hourly pay | €18–€25 per hour (indicative). Experienced profiles or lead responsibilities may land higher depending on project and classification. |
| Work week | Commonly 37.5–40 hours/week. Scheduling can vary by site and concrete pour planning. |
| Overtime | Often paid with a premium based on site rules/CAO. Exact percentage and eligibility depend on the assignment. |
| Deductions | Statutory deductions apply. If accommodation/transport is arranged (where available), deductions may apply under project terms. |
How to maximize your rate: show documented experience (projects, tasks, bar sizes), drawing reading, productivity under supervision, and safety compliance.
Requirements (must-have)
- Hands-on rebar/reinforcement experience (or strong readiness for assistant-level roles).
- Ability to work physically: lifting, crouching, tying for long periods.
- Basic understanding of spacing/cover and why tolerances matter before pours.
- Safety-first mindset; follow site procedures and communicate issues early.
- CV in English is required for review and selection.
Nice-to-have
- VCA (or equivalent site safety certification) — preferred on many Dutch sites.
- Comfort reading bending schedules/marks and coordinating with formwork crew.
- Experience with dense reinforcement (infrastructure bases, retaining structures).
- Ability to work with a tying gun (if allowed by site) while maintaining quality.
Candidate portrait
- can tie consistently fast without losing spacing/cover quality;
- keep your work area organized and ready for the next trade (formwork/concrete);
- understand laps, basic cage logic, and why inspection readiness matters;
- can follow marks/drawings and ask the right questions early;
- are reliable on start times and can handle changing pour priorities;
- work safely around lifting operations and sharp steel ends.
- avoid physical work or cannot tie for extended periods;
- skip safety steps “to save time”;
- need constant supervision to follow simple marks and instructions;
- struggle to cooperate with formwork/concrete crews under time pressure.
Documents & legal work in the Netherlands (non-EU candidates)
Non-EU candidates may apply. Work authorization requirements depend on the employer setup and the candidate profile. Some roles are employer-specific (tied to a sponsoring employer), while other scenarios may rely on broader work rights. Your exact route is confirmed after screening.
- Valid passport.
- CV (English preferred) + certificates/proof of experience (photos of work, references, tickets).
- Background checks may be required for certain sites/projects (project-dependent).
- Basic communication ability for safety instructions is typically expected.
- Project compliance can include standard onboarding steps required in the Netherlands (details confirmed after selection).
Questions go via the contact page: https://mavial.pl/kontakt.html.
How selection works
- Submit CV: use the CV page so your profile enters screening.
- Screening: quick review of experience, site readiness, and availability.
- Project match: confirm site type, location, schedule, and gross rate band.
- Compliance: document check and onboarding steps based on the assignment.
- Start: site induction and first-day safety briefing.
FAQ
Is the pay shown net or gross?
It is gross (brutto). Net pay depends on statutory deductions and your individual situation. Any project-specific deductions (e.g., accommodation where arranged) are confirmed before start.
Do I need a VCA certificate?
Many Dutch sites prefer VCA (or an equivalent safety certificate), but requirements vary. If you already have it, include it on your CV. If you do not, you can still apply; the project decides the minimum.
Are these roles only on construction sites, or also in precast yards?
Both can happen depending on demand. Site work emphasizes sequencing with formwork and pours; precast work often prioritizes repeatable elements and strict quality control. Your match is confirmed after screening.
What experience matters most for a steel fixer?
Consistent tying quality, correct cover/spacing, and basic drawing/mark following. Being reliable under pour deadlines and working safely around lifting operations is equally important.
Can non-EU candidates apply?
Yes, non-EU candidates may apply. Work authorization requirements depend on the employer setup and your profile. The exact route is checked during the compliance step after screening.