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Chimney sweep

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a chimney sweep

You can get into this job through:

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

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.

Other Routes

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

More Information

Career tips

Many chimney sweeps set up their own business once they have some experience.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join:

These organisations offer professional development opportunities.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a full driving licence

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be dirty.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a chimney sweep right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a chimney sweep?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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