Chimney sweep

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• working towards this role
• specialist courses run by professional bodies

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Work

You could find an experienced chimney sweep to take you on as an assistant and train on the job.

As part of that training, you could complete a Level 2 Certificate in Chimney Sweeping or Level 2 Diploma in Chimney Engineering.

Experience in construction or engineering may be helpful, although not essential to do these courses.

OtherRoutes

You could take a training course with a professional body. They offer courses from introductory level to advanced.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• physical skills like strength and coordination
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• concentration skills
• a desire to help people
• leadership skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• business management skills

What you'll do:

Chimney sweeps clean the chimneys and flues of open fires and other coal, gas, oil and wood-fired heating systems.

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

• inspect the chimney or flue before cleaning
• protect the surrounding area so that soot doesn't fall into a room
• use brushes on extending rods to clean the chimney or flue
• remove soot and debris using an industrial vacuum cleaner
• use equipment such as smoke-generating machines and CCTV cameras to examine the chimney
• advise customers on the safety of chimneys, appliances and flues

Location : You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.
Environment : Your working environment may be dirty.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is weekends occasionally

Career Path:

You'll usually be self-employed, although you can find jobs with private companies like solid fuel distributors.

You might also take further training to become a chimney and flue engineer .

It may be possible to buy an existing business.