Steeplejack

A steeplejack builds and repairs the inside or outside of tall structures such as church spires, industrial chimneys, power station cooling towers, high rise buildings, monuments or castles. Some specialise in lightning conductor engineering.

The Work

You could be:

• using tools to work with stone, brick, glass or metal at great heights


• carefully planning the job to be done


• erecting access ladders, scaffolding, work platforms and bosun’s seats (harnesses) to create a safe working environment


• climbing up this apparatus while carrying tools


• erecting, painting, inspecting, repairing or dismantling tall structures


• repairing damaged brickwork or stonework, welding metal, replacing glass


• fitting aircraft warning lights or installing basic lightning conductors on roofs


• dismantling access apparatus when the job is complete.

Conditions

• You work mostly outdoors, in all weathers.


• You climb and balance while carrying ladders and equipment at great heights.


• Rain and wind can increase the risk of falling - the wind is usually stronger high up.


• When indoors, for example inside an industrial chimney, conditions may be cramped and dusty.
• There can be a lot of bending, lifting and stretching.


• You wear a safety helmet and other protective gear.


• The working day begins early and depends on hours of daylight.


• You will have to travel to different sites and perhaps spend time living away from home.


• Work can be seasonal, with shorter hours and sometimes lay-offs in winter.

Getting In

• The normal entry route is by an apprenticeship - by Skillseekers or a Modern Apprenticeship, run by ConstructionSkills and the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group. Each year throughout the UK there are up to 24 training places for lightning conductor engineers and up to 12 places for steeplejacks.


• You do not always need formal qualifications, but Standard grades in English, Maths and a technological subject are helpful.


• You usually have to take an aptitude test.


• A driving licence can be useful.


• You must be physically fit and agile.


• From 2010 workers in the construction sector must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.

What Does It Take?

You need to have:

• an excellent head for heights and good sense of balance


• good coordination and hand skills


• organisational skills - to prepare everything you will need up aloft


• a good knowledge of correct working and safety practices - for yourself and for those on the ground


• attention to detail


• stamina for climbing.

• work alone or as part of a team


• judge risks.

Training

• Training lasts 2 years for a lightning conductor engineer, or 3 years for a steeplejack.


• It involves on-the-job experience and off-the-job study and leads to relevant Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) at Levels 2 and 3, including Accessing Operations and Rigging (Construction).

Getting On

• With experience you can progress to a supervisory job.
• You might move into management.
• You could become self-employed.
• You might find work abroad.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

Most construction employees find it very satisfying to know that they have helped build or repair something that might well last for generations.
Around 10% of women make up the UK construction workforce and the industry is encouraging more women to join.

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.