Steeplejack

Steeplejacks renovate, repair and maintain tall structures, such as industrial chimneys. They use a variety of tools and materials to carry out their work.

Work activities

Steeplejacks renovate, repair and maintain tall structures such as industrial chimneys, monuments and towers. They work at great heights using scaffolding, ladders and ropes. The tasks steeplejacks do include:

Replacing or repairing damaged concrete, brickwork, stonework and roof tiles.
Putting up steel chimneys.
Replacing damaged glass.
Welding metals.
Painting.

For safety reasons, steeplejacks often work within a team. They must wear protective clothing, including a safety helmet, protective footwear and other items such as ear-protectors and gloves. Some steeplejacks have to work away from home, sometimes for long periods.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a steeplejack, you’ll need to:

Be physically fit, with plenty of stamina as the work involves a lot of bending, lifting and stretching.
Have a good head for heights.
Work well within a team.
Be aware of the health and safety issues relevant to the job.

You must follow safety rules and procedures at all times and you must take extreme care when working at great heights.

Many companies will provide transport, but having a driving licence can be useful in this type of work.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Steeplejacks start on about £15,000 per year, rising to £35,000 with experience. Higher amounts are possible for senior, specialist positions.

Steeplejacks work a 42-44-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers are specialist firms of steeplejacks, chimney builders and steel erectors. Opportunities for steeplejacks occur with steel contractors/builders in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Opportunities occur for experienced steeplejacks to work independently as self-employed contractors.

What’s happening in this work area?

Construction is an industry dominated by small firms. The construction industry is one of the most male dominated industries. Women account for only one in 10 of all jobs. The industry is actively trying to change this. Full-time working remains the norm.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job or Find an Apprenticeship services.

Entry routes and training

There are various relevant qualifications available from organisations like City & Guilds and Edexcel. These courses may be in a more general subject area, such as construction. A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship is in development.

For most building companies, you’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you’ve been employed for. Go to the CSCS website for more details.

Sponsored training may be offered through the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group (SLPTG) and ConstructionSkills.

In the construction industry, it is possible to work up from craft-level positions to managerial roles.

Qualifications

Entry requirements vary. You do not always need educational qualifications to enter this type of work. To enter a City & Guilds or Edexcel level 2 course in construction, you’ll usually need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or higher. However, individual centres may have different entry requirements. You may be able to get on to one of the courses without any qualifications.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you are physically fit, with related skills gained in the construction industry (for example, if you have scaffolding or building operative skills) you can apply to be considered for training.

Related careers

Firefighter
Roofer
Scaffolder
Stonemason