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, castles or bridges. Some specialise in fitting lightning protection systems (see job profile Lightning Conductor Engineer).

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
• using this equipment to climb up the structure while carrying tools
• erecting, painting, inspecting, repairing or dismantling tall structures
• repairing damaged brickwork or stonework, welding metal, replacing glass
• fitting aircraft warning lights to tall structures or installing basic lightning conductors on roofs
• dismantling access equipment when the job is complete
• reporting on problems and liaising with architects and engineers.

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.

Wages are set annually by the National Joint Council for the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Agency. As of July 2019 the hourly rates for apprentices are:

• Age 16 - Year 1: £5.39 / Year 2: N/A
• Age 17 - Year 1: £6.46 / Year 2: £8.62
• Age 18 - Year 1: £8.62/ Year 2: £9.16
• Age 19 - Year 1: £9.16 / Year 2: £9.69
• Age 20 - Year 1: £9.69/ Year 2: £10.23
• Age 21 and over - Year 1: £10.23 / after 6 months: £10.77.

The full rate for a qualified engineer with SVQ at SCQF Level 5 is £12.77, and with SCQF Level 6, £15.14 an hour. With experience your salary could rise up to £600 a week or more.

Conditions

• You work mostly outdoors, in all weathers.
• You climb and balance while carrying ladders and equipment at great heights.
• Rain and wind can make your job difficult as well as dangerous.
• 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 hard hat, safety harness 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 through a Modern Apprenticeship, run by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group.
• You do not always need formal qualifications, but some subjects at National 4 or 5 including English, Maths and a science or technological subject are helpful.
• You usually have to take an aptitude test, including literary, numeracy and problem solving assessments.
• A driving licence can be useful and may be necessary.
• You must hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to work in the construction industry. You must pass a health and safety test to qualify for this scheme.

Look for jobs with specialist steeplejack companies or with building or civil engineering firms.

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• an excellent head for heights and good sense of balance
• good co-ordination and hand skills
• excellent organisational skills
• in depth knowledge of correct working and safety practices – for yourself and for those on the ground
• attention to detail
• physical fitness for climbing
• the ability to work well as part of a team.

Training

• Trainees are sponsored by an employer for a 2-year apprenticeship, with attendance for up to 4 weeks at a time at the National Construction College - East in Bircham Newton, Norfolk.
• You would work towards SVQ in Accessing Operations and Rigging (Construction): Steeplejacking at SCQF Level 5.

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.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.