Steeplejacks and lightning conductor engineers install lightning protection systems and carry out a variety of building, repair, maintenance and renovation work at heights on the inside and outside of tall structures. These can include industrial chimneys, power station cooling towers, tower blocks, church spires and bridges. They may also work on restoration projects on historical monuments like castles.

Depending on the type of building or structure, a number of tools and techniques may be used to reach the work area. These include access ladders, scaffolding, work platforms (cradles), traditional bosun’s seats (harnesses) and industrial rope access (abseiling). Fall arrest safety systems are also put in place to minimise risks to operatives. Once the job is complete, equipment and rigging is dismantled and returned to ground level.

Other tasks include painting, inspection, welding, demolition, replacing glass, erecting and dismantling steel chimneys, and fitting aircraft warning lights on tall structures.

Hours and Environment

Steeplejacks work a 39-hour week but hours vary with the demands of the job; shifts and overtime, including evenings and weekends are often required.

The work is mainly outdoors at heights, in all weathers, and includes climbing and carrying ladders, tools and safety equipment. Conditions can be very dusty, especially inside industrial chimneys so may be unsuitable for people suffering from chest complaints. Protective clothing and headgear is worn.

Travel to different parts of the country and abroad is often necessary. Depending on the contract, steeplejacks may have to work away from home for periods of time. A driving licence is useful.

Skills and Interests

To be a steeplejack you should:

• be comfortable working at heights
• be physically fit with a good sense of balance
• pay careful attention to safe working practices and regulations
• have good practical skills for using tools and equipment
• have highly developed organisational and teamwork skills, as safety depends on this.

Entry

There are no specific entry requirements but GCSEs (A-E)/S grades (1-5) in maths, English, science subjects, and design and technology or equivalent qualifications may be helpful. Lightning conductor engineers in particular, need a knowledge of maths to help with basic electrical theory. A background in more general construction as a labourer or trades person, such as a bricklayer, may be helpful in gaining an initial position with a company, although this is not essential.

There is sponsored training in this field for young people aged between 16-24. Applicants for apprentice-sponsored training through the Steeplejack Industry Training Group Association and ConstructionSkills, have to sit aptitude tests involving maths and problem solving. They are also assessed on literacy.

For more details about these roles, contact ConstructionSkills in Further Information.

Training

Each year there are 12 places for trainee steeplejacks and 12 places for trainee lightning conductor engineers on the two-year course organised by the Steeplejack Industry Training Group Association and ConstructionSkills.

Trainees are sponsored by an employer and spend about six months, spread over two years, at the ConstructionSkills residential National Construction College in Bircham Newton, Norfolk.

As a trainee, you work towards NVQ/SVQ levels 1 to 3 in Accessing Operations and Rigging. You take one of two pathways depending on your specialism:

Steeplejacking - erect and dismantle complex scaffolds and rigging, provide fall arrest systems, install metal cladding, ducting and flues, and demolish/dismantle brick, masonary and concrete structures.

Lightning Conductor Engineering – install components to structural fabric (lightning conductors and fixings), survey the structural fabric (reading technical diagrams and using visual, mechanical and electronic detection systems to check existing components), locate and avoid existing service apparatus (gas, electrical and communications infrastructure).

For details about training contact ConstructionSkills in Further Information.

For existing employees, the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists offers a membership scheme, and publications on technical matters and current issues within the sector. For more information see their website in Further Information.

Opportunities

Nearly all employment is with specialist firms of steeplejacks/lightning conductor engineers. A very small number are employed by building or civil engineering companies. Within the specialist firms, promotion to supervisory and managerial posts is possible. There are good opportunities for self-employment and to work abroad.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee steeplejacks/lightning conductor engineers over age 21 can earn up to £15,000 a year.
Qualified operatives earn around £18,500 a year.
With experience, this can rise to £22,000 a year.

Steeplejacks and lightning conductor engineers may significantly increase their income with overtime payments and shift allowances.

Further information

4c St Mary’s Place
The Lace Market
Nottingham
NG1 1PH
Tel: 0115 955 8818 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577