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Steeplejack

Do you want to become a Steeplejack? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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• Steeplejacks carry out a variety of building, repair and maintenance jobs, at heights on tall structures.
• Much of the work involves renovation, eg on power station chimneys, cooling towers, oil refineries, tower blocks, bridges, church spires or even castles.
• Lightning conductors and earthing systems are installed by steeplejacks who may also be lightning conductor engineers.

Steeplejacks generally work about 39 hours a week, often including shifts and overtime, evenings and weekends. They work outdoors, at varying heights, in all weathers.

The work may be local, or it may involve travel to different parts of the country.

Income is around £13,000 at first, and senior engineers earn around £25,000.

Steeplejacks must have:

• a good head for heights
• physical fitness
• hand skills
• good teamwork
• a sound knowledge of working and safety practices
• good organisational skills.

Nearly all work is with specialist firms of steeplejacks and lightning conductor engineers. There are good opportunities for self-employment.

GCSEs/S grades (A-E/1-5) in maths, English, science subjects and CDT are useful. Lightning conductor engineers particularly need maths. Young people can become apprentices on sponsored training.

People of any age can start work with a steeplejack or lightning conductor engineering company.

Apprentices spend about six months at the CITB residential National Construction College in Norfolk. They work towards NVQs/SVQs Levels 2 or 3 in either Steeplejacking or Lightning Conductor Engineering.

Steeplejacks can be promoted to supervisory and managerial posts.

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