Steeplejack

Lightning conductor engineer

Steeplejacks carry out repairs on buildings and structures to make them safe.

Salary Range: £15,000 to £26,000

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, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

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

• you’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site

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 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

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

You could become self-employed.