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Steeplejack

Alternative titles for this job include Lightning conductor engineer

Steeplejacks carry out repairs on buildings and structures to 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:

  • Level 2 Scaffolder
  • Level 2 Structural steelwork erector
  • Level 3 Installation and maintenance electrician
  • Level 3 Engineering construction erector rigger

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 ability in maths 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
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • knowledge of maths
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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:

  • install lightning conductors on buildings
  • fit aircraft warning lights on tall structures
  • replace roof glass
  • repair masonry
  • paint structures
  • dismantle or demolish tall chimneys or buildings
  • inspect structures for damage

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Scaffolder

  • Wage: £174.00 - £328.40 Weekly
  • Location:

Electrical Apprentice Technician

  • Wage: £12,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

T Level Construction - Onsite construction

  • Provider: GRANTHAM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2022
  • Location: Grantham

L1 Construction

  • Provider: TELFORD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2022
  • Location: Telford
Find courses near you

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