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Steeplejack

Alternative titles for this job include Lightning conductor engineer

Steeplejacks climb high buildings and structures to repair them or make them safe.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a steeplejack

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships that may be useful for this role include:

  • Lightning protection operative intermediate apprenticeship
  • Scaffolder intermediate apprenticeship
  • Structural steelwork erector intermediate apprenticeship
  • Installation and maintenance electrician advanced apprenticeship
  • Engineering construction erector rigger advanced apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Direct Application

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.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a steeplejack from Go Construct and the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of building and construction
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • be able to cope with working at height

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You will carry out installation and maintenance work at great height. You could:

  • assemble ladders, scaffolding, mobile platforms or industrial harnesses
  • inspect structures for damage
  • replace roof glass
  • repair masonry
  • paint structures
  • dismantle or demolish tall chimneys or buildings
  • install lightning conductors on buildings
  • fit aircraft warning lights on tall structures

Working environment

You could work on other structures, on a construction site, at a power station, on high rise buildings or at monuments and castles.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, dusty and physically demanding.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to supervisor or manager.

You could become self-employed and run your own business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Installation Electrician and/or Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: Heysham, Morecambe

Apprentice Electrician - Cumbria/Whitehaven

  • Wage: £10,600.00 Annually
  • Location: Nursery Road, Sellafield
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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