Steeplejack

Entry Requirements

There are no specific academic requirements to train as a steeplejack, although GCSE passes / Standard Grades in Maths, English, Science and CDT may be helpful for the calculations, measurements and theory.

Sponsored training is offered through the Steeplejack Industry Training Group Association and CITB-ConstructionSkills for young people aged 16. Applicants for this scheme will have to pass aptitude tests, literary and Maths assessments, and problem solving.

Each year, the Steeplejack Industry Training Group and CITB-ConstructionSkills offer 12 places on training courses for trainee steeplejacks and 12 places for trainee Lightning Conductor Engineers.

Trainees are sponsored by employers and spend about 6 months, spread over two years, at the CITB-ConstructionSkills base in Bircham Newton, Norfolk. You would be working towards NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3, and almost certainly offered a job at the end of the scheme.

The Benefits

The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees wage rates annually. A good basic wage is available and can be boosted with the incentive schemes that many companies offer.

There are also opportunities to progress on to supervisory roles, and some steeplejacks set up their own business.

The Job  

Like stonemasonry, this is a traditional job, but one that is in very high demand. Many of the skills required in other professions are needed to be a steeplejack, it’s just where you work that is the most unique.

As a steeplejack you could be repairing and renovating church spires, monuments and chimneys, as well as many other structures. The work involved could include painting, welding or replacing glass - you'll just be doing it a very long way off the ground.

The People  

Not surprisingly, the most important attribute for a steeplejack is no fear of heights. You'll be working out in all weathers, and you should be aware of safety issues - including the safety of those on the ground. You'll become competent in many activities, being taught a huge variety of skills during your training.

Check out the diaries of Alan Johnston and Chris O'Neill for day-to-day challenging experiences of the job - including getting pretty mucky.