Steeplejack

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a construction, engineering or heritage conservation company to give you some of the skills needed to be a steeplejack.

Related apprenticeships include:

• Lightning Protection Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Scaffolder Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Engineering Construction Erector Rigger Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Fall Protection Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to become a steeplejack. Employers may ask for GCSEs, or equivalent, in maths, English, science or design and technology.

Experience in general construction, scaffolding, roofing or electrical work may give you an advantage.

If you want to work as a lightning conductor engineer, you'll need maths skills and a basic understanding of electrical theory.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to work well with your hands
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to use your initiative
• customer service skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• observation and recording skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Steeplejacks repair and maintain tall structures like industrial chimneys, towers, high rise blocks, monuments and bridges.

As a steeplejack, you could:

• assemble scaffolding, mobile work platforms and industrial harnesses
• carry out building inspections, sometimes with drones
• repair or replace roofing, glass, masonry and leadwork
• paint structures and refurbish mechanisms like clockfaces
• dismantle or demolish tall chimneys or buildings
• install lightning conductors and aircraft warning lights on tall structures

Location : You could work on high rise buildings, on a construction site, at a power station or at monuments and castles.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, dusty and physically demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £38,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience and further training, you could become a:

• team manager
• safety inspector
• lightning systems test engineer
• contracts manager

You might also go self-employed and run your own business.