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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

£26,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become a steeplejack

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an intermediate apprentice in accessing and rigging.

This will usually take 18 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate 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

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 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

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • installing lightning conductors on buildings
  • fitting aircraft warning lights on tall structures
  • replacing roof glass
  • repairing masonry
  • painting structures
  • dismantling or demolishing tall chimneys or buildings
  • inspecting structures for damage

Working environment

You could work on structures, on a construction site, at a power station, in a commercial building, on high rise buildings or on 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.

Career path and progression

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

You could become self-employed.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Dryliner - Stanmore

  • Wage : £215.25 Weekly
  • Location: London E17 7NX

Apprentice Scaffolders

  • Wage : Competitive salary
  • Location: Cannock WS12 2DD
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Accessing Operations And Rigging - Scaffolding And Offshore Scaffolding level 3

  • Provider: QCF DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
  • Start date: 01 June 2019
  • Location: CARDIFF

Level 2 Scaffolding Apprenticeship

  • Provider: GROUP HORIZON LIMITED
  • Start date: 03 June 2019
  • Location:
Find courses near you

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