Steeplejack job

Engineer specializing on lightning conductors

On construction sites, power plants, high rise structures, and even on monuments and castles, people called "steeplejacks" do maintenance and repair work far above the earth. They check that the structures are sound structurally and may even add lightning conductors if necessary.

The steps involved in becoming a steeplejack

There are several different paths one may take to become a steeplejack. You may get the necessary credentials by attending college, obtaining on-the-job training via an apprenticeship, or submitting a resume and cover letter to a potential employer directly.

You need to investigate each of these ways to become a steeplejack so that you may choose the path that is most suitable for you. Even while some of these opportunities call for certain qualifications, many businesses are more interested in hiring individuals who have a positive attitude, are ready to learn new things, and are able to follow directions.

If you want to work on a construction site, you may be required to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

College or other educational provider

The occupation of steeplejack does not have any mandatory entrance qualifications; however, having GCSEs in subjects such as mathematics, English, physics, or design and technology might be beneficial.

You could choose to begin your professional life by obtaining a certification in a construction-related field, such as bricklaying or scaffolding, and then later specialize in order to become a steeplejack. If you want to specialize as a lightning conductor engineer, you'll need to be good at arithmetic and grasp electrical theory on a fundamental level.

Apprenticeship

You may begin your working life by earning an apprenticeship in bricklaying or scaffolding, and then you could specialize in becoming a steeplejack later on in your career

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must have at least the equivalent of up to five GCSEs with grades ranging from 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Apprenticeships are available to anybody over the age of 16 who meets the requirements. You will be considered a full-time employee of the firm you apprentice for, and you will be required to put in a minimum of thirty hours of labor each week. Your time will be divided between getting experience on the job and attending school or working with a training provider.

Work

If you already have some experience under your belt, you might apply straight to a construction business to work as a steeplejack and earn valuable on-the-job training. It's possible that you'll begin your career as an assistant to a steeplejack who has more experience, but as your skills develop, you'll get promoted.

Practice in the workplace

To be successful in finding a job in the construction sector, you need to have previous work experience. You could be able to learn this at school, or you might be able to learn it by working weekends and holidays for a firm or a relative who is a steeplejack. On a resume, previous job experience is always going to be something that prospective employers find very appealing.

Skills

Additional abilities that might be beneficial for someone thinking about working as a steeplejack include the following:

able to operate safely at heights, outside, and in every kind of weather

Maintaining a healthy level of physical fitness

The ability to do mathematics

Capacity for completeness and acute sensitivity to minute details

possess both patience and the ability to maintain composure in the face of adversity.

What does a steeplejack do?

You will be responsible for doing repair and maintenance work on industrial sites, high-rise buildings, and other types of tall structures if you choose to work as a steeplejack.

The following responsibilities are included for steeplejacks in their job descriptions:

Performing repairs, maintenance, and rehabilitation work on structures such as industrial chimneys, cooling towers at power stations, church spires, castles, high-rise buildings, and bridges.

Putting in place the lightning conductors

Bringing massive pieces of equipment to earth

Putting together abseiling equipment including ladders and scaffolding, as well as mobile work platforms, conventional harnesses, and industrial ropes

Putting on the aircraft's hazard lights

Alterations to the brickwork or the replacement of roof glass

Painting edifices such as bridges and other buildings

Bringing down chimneys or structures of a great height

Conducting inspections of structures for signs of damage following severe weather, such as strong winds

collaborative efforts with electricians to ensure the safety of computers and other electrical devices

Providing reports on issues and making recommendations for fixes to architectural designers, land surveyors, and engineering professionals

After the task is done, taking apart the machinery and putting it back where it came from is a necessary step.

How much money would you make if you worked as a steeplejack?

As one gains more experience as a steeplejack, their compensation expectations will shift accordingly.

Steeplejacks who have just completed their training might make between £15,000 and $25,000.

Steeplejacks that have received training and have some experience may make between $25,000 and $35,000 per year.

Steeplejacks at the senior or master level may make more than £35,000 per year*.

Steeplejacks who work for themselves choose their own rates of remuneration.

Both your hours and your pay are determined by your location, your company, and any overtime that you put in.