Steeplejack or Lightning Conductor Engineer Careers

Work Environment:

Being a steeplejack or lightning conductor engineer, you'd fix lightning-protection systems and execute maintenance, building, renovation and repair-works at heights. You'd work on bridges, industrial chimneys, apartment buildings, power station cooling towers, and church spires. You may work in restoration ventures of older monuments such as castles.

Your tasks could comprise:

• examining constructions for any damage, e.g. after high-winds
• fixing air craft warning lights in high constructions

• dismantling tall buildings/chimneys
• reinstating roof-glass
• fitting lightning conductors in buildings
• painting constructions, e.g. bridges
• restoring masonry

You'd attain high workfields by the following means:

• mobile workplatforms: cradles
• industrial rope access: abseiling
• ladders and scaffolding
• conventional bosun seats: harnesses

Qualification, Education and Experience:

You might not require qualifications to be a steeplejack or lightning conductor engineer, though few employers may want you to encompass GCSE grades or similar qualification, with subjects such as design and technology, Science, mathematics or English.

You'll necessitate mathematical skills to assist with fundamental electrical theory, if you desire to operate as a lightning conductor engineer. You might also require a driving license.

You can have a benefit while searching for job, if you've some work experience into construction field, e.g. as a tradesperson, like a bricklayer or laborer.

You may also apply for traineeships supported by the Construction Skills, and Steeplejack and Lightning Protection-Training Group. To gain entry to this scheme, you'd need to get through with aptitude tests for English, problem solving and Mathematics.

For further information on careers in this area, check the website of Construction Skills.

Training Details:

Every year there are sixteen positions for apprentice lightning conductor engineers and sixteen positions for apprentice steeplejacks in courses arranged by the Construction Skills, and Steeplejack and Lightning Protection-Training Group.

Being an apprentice, you'd work to acquire First to Third levels NVQ into Accessing Operations and Rigging. Based on your specialization, you can obtain one of the choices given as below:

• Lightning-Conductor Engineering: 2 years course in surveying constructions utilizing electronic, visual and mechanical detection tools; finding and avoiding telecommunication, gas and electrical pipelines and cabling; and fixing lightning conductors
• Steeple jacking: 3 years course in dismantling or demolishing concrete, brick and masonry constructions; building and removing scaffolds; fitting flues, cladding and ducting; and rigging and installing safety systems

The ATLAS (Association of Technical-Lightning and Access Specialists) provides a scheme of membership for current workers, and gives guidance on technological issues and current matters in the business. For additional information, visit the website of ATLAS.

Skills and knowledge:

• an understanding of health and safety measures
• outstanding team working and managerial abilities
• physically fit
• the ability to operate at heights
• excellent practical abilities for utilizing equipment and tools
• the capability to work as per secure working procedures

Salary and Other Benefits:

• Trainee steeplejack or lightning conductor engineer can receive about £16,000 to £18,000 annually.
• Eligible operatives can get around £21,000 annually.
• By advanced skills and experience, the earnings can boost to around £26,000.

Working Conditions:

Usually, you'd work weekly for about 41 hours, although your working hours might change as per requirement of the work. Sometimes, you might have to work shifts and overtime, with weekends and evenings.

You'd chiefly work outside, in all climate conditions and at heights. You can get dusty, e.g. while operating within chimneys. You'd utilize headgear and protective tools in all works.

You'd voyage between different jobs and few contracts might necessitate overnight-stays away from house.

Different Opportunities:

You can discover most work chances with specialist companies of steeplejacks or lightning conductor engineers. You might also discover opportunities with civil engineering or construction firms. Check the website of ATLAS, for a list of firms.

By experience, you can advance to manager or supervisor. You may also work as a freelance steeplejack.

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